Roman Numeral Converter
How to Use
Select the conversion direction and enter a value. For Number → Roman, enter an integer from 1 to 3999. For Roman → Number, enter a Roman numeral (e.g., XIV). The result updates instantly.
What are Roman Numerals?
Roman numerals are a numeral system originating in ancient Rome, used throughout the Roman Empire and across Europe for centuries. Unlike the modern decimal system with place values, Roman numerals use combinations of letters to represent values. The system was the dominant form of numerical notation in Europe until the late Middle Ages, when Hindu-Arabic numerals gradually replaced it. Today, Roman numerals remain in common use for clock faces, book chapters, movie sequel numbering, Super Bowl editions, and formal documents such as outlines and legal texts.
Roman Numeral System
Roman numerals use seven symbols: I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), M (1000). Subtractive notation is used for 4, 9, 40, 90, 400, and 900 (e.g., IV = 4, XC = 90). The standard system covers values from 1 to 3999.
Common Use Cases
- Education — learn and practice converting between Roman and Arabic numeral systems
- Clock faces — read and interpret traditional clock displays that use Roman numerals
- Movie and event dates — decode copyright years (MMXXVI = 2026) or sequel numbers in film and media
- Chapter and outline numbering — convert numbers for use in book chapters, legal documents, and formal outlines
- Historical dates — read dates inscribed on buildings, monuments, and historical documents
Reference Table
I = 1, IV = 4, V = 5, IX = 9, X = 10, XL = 40, L = 50, XC = 90, C = 100, CD = 400, D = 500, CM = 900, M = 1000. To form a number, combine symbols from largest to smallest. For example: 2024 = MMXXIV (1000 + 1000 + 10 + 10 + 4). When a smaller value appears before a larger one, it is subtracted (IV = 5 - 1 = 4).
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