Roman Numeral Converter

Convert between Roman numerals and Arabic numbers instantly.

Result

Roman Numeral Reference

How It Works

Enter an Arabic number (1–3,999) to get the Roman numeral equivalent, or enter Roman numerals to get the Arabic number. Validation included.

**Roman Numeral Converter — Ancient Numbers Made Modern**

Roman numerals — the number system of ancient Rome — are still widely used today in clocks, movie titles, sporting events (Super Bowl LVIII), copyright years, monarchs (King Charles III), and book chapter numbering. Our Roman Numeral Converter translates instantly in both directions.

**Roman Numeral Symbols**

| Symbol | Value |
|---|---|
| I | 1 |
| V | 5 |
| X | 10 |
| L | 50 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 500 |
| M | 1,000 |

**Subtractive Notation Rules**

Roman numerals use subtractive notation to avoid four consecutive symbols:
- IV = 4 (I before V, subtract 1 from 5)
- IX = 9 (I before X)
- XL = 40, XC = 90
- CD = 400, CM = 900

Valid subtractive pairs:
- I before V or X
- X before L or C
- C before D or M

**Conversion Examples**

| Arabic | Roman |
|---|---|
| 2024 | MMXXIV |
| 1999 | MCMXCIX |
| 2025 | MMXXV |
| 500 | D |
| 49 | XLIX |
| 1776 | MDCCLXXVI |

**Where Roman Numerals Are Used Today**

*Clocks* — Most clockfaces use Roman numerals (using IIII instead of IV for balance).
*Films* — Movie sequels (Rocky IV, Star Wars Episode VI) and Super Bowl numbers.
*Copyright* — "© MMXXIV" in film and TV credits.
*Royalty and Popes* — Elizabeth II, Pope Francis I.
*Outlines* — I, II, III for main headings; A, B, C for sub-headings in formal outlines.
*Architecture* — Cornerstone dates on buildings.

**Range**

Standard Roman numerals represent 1–3,999 (I to MMMCMXCIX). Numbers above 3,999 traditionally used an overline to multiply by 1,000, which this converter optionally supports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard Roman numerals go up to 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). For larger numbers, extended notation uses overlines or parentheses to multiply by 1,000.
Clock faces traditionally use IIII (not IV) for aesthetic symmetry and balance. It creates a visual counterpart to VIII on the opposite side.
MCMXCIX = M(1000) + CM(900) + XC(90) + IX(9) = 1999.
No. The Romans had no symbol for zero, which is why the Roman numeral system was eventually replaced by the Arabic numeral system for mathematical calculations.
LVIII = L(50) + V(5) + III(3) = 58. Super Bowl 58.