Roman Numerals Converter

Convert numbers to Roman numerals and Roman numerals to numbers instantly. Supports values from 1 to 3999.

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Roman Numeral Rules

I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50
C = 100, D = 500, M = 1000
No symbol is repeated more than three times
Subtractive notation: IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40
Maximum supported value: 3999 (MMMCMXCIX)

What Are Roman Numerals?

Roman numerals are a numeric system developed in ancient Rome. Instead of digits, numbers are represented using letters. They are still commonly used today in clocks, book chapters, movie sequels, monarch names, and major events.

How to Convert Numbers to Roman Numerals

Break the number into thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones.
Convert each part using Roman symbols.
Combine the symbols from left to right.

Example: 1987 → MCMLXXXVII

Key Roman Numeral Conversion Table

Number	Roman Numeral
1	I
4	IV
9	IX
10	X
50	L
100	C
500	D
1000	M
2024	MMXXIV

Roman Numeral Conversion Examples

7 = VII

44 = XLIV

1999 = MCMXCIX

Simple numbers

3 = III
8 = VIII
12 = XII
19 = XIX
27 = XXVII

Subtractive notation examples

4 = IV
9 = IX
40 = XL
90 = XC
400 = CD
900 = CM

Common real-world numbers

50 = L (often seen on clocks)
100 = C (used in anniversaries)
500 = D
1000 = M
2024 = MMXXIV (current year example)

Historical and cultural examples

1492 = MCDXCII (year Columbus sailed)
1666 = MDCLXVI (Great Fire of London)
1776 = MDCCLXXVI (US Independence)
1918 = MCMXVIII (end of World War I)
1945 = MCMXLV (end of World War II)

Large number examples

1987 = MCMLXXXVII
1999 = MCMXCIX
2024 = MMXXIV
3999 = MMMCMXCIX (maximum standard Roman numeral)

Year in Roman Numerals

Converting a year into Roman numerals is common in movies, books, monuments, copyright dates, clocks, and official engravings. Roman numerals are typically used for years between 1 and 3999.

How to Write a Year in Roman Numerals

Break the year into thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones.
Convert each part using Roman numeral rules.
Combine them from left to right.

Example: 2026 → 2000 (MM) + 20 (XX) + 6 (VI) = MMXXVI

Popular Year Conversions

2027 = MMXXVII
2026 = MMXXVI
2025 = MMXXV
2024 = MMXXIV
2023 = MMXXIII
2020 = MMXX
2000 = MM
1999 = MCMXCIX
1984 = MCMLXXXIV
1970 = MCMLXX
1950 = MCML
1900 = MCM

Where Roman Numeral Years Are Used

Movie release dates at the end of films
Copyright notices on books and artwork
Monuments, memorials, and buildings
Clocks and watches with Roman numerals
Sport events and championship editions

Tip: Roman numerals do not use zero, so only positive whole years can be represented.

Roman Numerals on Clock Faces (IIII vs IV)

One of the most common questions about Roman numerals is why many clocks use IIII instead of IV to represent the number four. While both are technically valid, clocks often follow tradition, balance, and readability rather than strict mathematical rules.

Why Do Clocks Use IIII Instead of IV?

Visual balance: Using IIII keeps the left and right sides of the clock face visually symmetrical.
Ease of reading: IIII is easier to recognize at a glance, especially from a distance.
Historical tradition: Early Roman numerals often used additive forms like IIII before subtractive notation became standard.
Manufacturing simplicity: Clockmakers could reuse numeral molds more easily.

Typical Clock Face Roman Numerals

Hour	Clock Face Numeral	Standard Roman Numeral
1	I	I
2	II	II
3	III	III
4	IIII	IV
5	V	V
6	VI	VI
7	VII	VII
8	VIII	VIII
9	IX	IX
10	X	X
11	XI	XI
12	XII	XII

Is IIII Incorrect?

No. While IV is the standard modern form, IIII is historically acceptable and widely used on clocks, watches, sundials, and decorative designs.

Fun fact: Most luxury watches (Rolex, Cartier, etc.) also use IIII for the number four.

Extended Roman Numerals Conversion Table

Number	Roman Numeral
1	I
2	II
3	III
4	IV
5	V
6	VI
7	VII
8	VIII
9	IX
10	X
14	XIV
19	XIX
20	XX
25	XXV
30	XXX
40	XL
44	XLIV
49	XLIX
50	L
60	LX
75	LXXV
90	XC
99	XCIX
100	C
149	CXLIX
199	CXCIX
200	CC
250	CCL
300	CCC
400	CD
444	CDXLIV
500	D
600	DC
700	DCC
900	CM
999	CMXCIX
1000	M
1492	MCDXCII
1666	MDCLXVI
1776	MDCCLXXVI
1900	MCM
1984	MCMLXXXIV
1999	MCMXCIX
2024	MMXXIV
3999	MMMCMXCIX

Roman Numeral Rules – Quick Cheat Sheet

Roman numerals follow a small set of strict rules that define how numbers are written. Understanding these rules makes conversion between Arabic numbers and Roman numerals much easier.

Basic symbols: I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, M = 1000
Addition rule: When a smaller or equal value comes after a larger one, the values are added.
Example: VI = 5 + 1 = 6, XV = 10 + 5 = 15
Subtraction rule: When a smaller value comes before a larger one, it is subtracted.
Example: IV = 5 − 1 = 4, IX = 10 − 1 = 9
Symbol repetition: Symbols I, X, C, and M can be repeated up to three times in a row.
Example: III = 3, XXX = 30
No repetition allowed: V, L, and D are never repeated.
Example: 10 is X, not VV
Limited subtraction: Only specific pairs are allowed:
I before V or X, X before L or C, C before D or M
Descending order: Roman numerals are written from largest to smallest value, except when using subtraction.

Why Do Roman Numerals Stop at 3999?

Traditional Roman numerals officially stop at 3999, which is written as MMMCMXCIX. This limitation exists because classical Roman numeral rules do not include a standard symbol for numbers larger than 1000 beyond repeating M.

According to the repetition rules, the symbol M (1000) can only be repeated three times in a row. This means:

1000 = M
2000 = MM
3000 = MMM

The number 4000 would require four Ms (MMMM), which breaks traditional Roman numeral conventions.

Extended Roman Numerals

In some modern or academic contexts, numbers above 3999 are written using a horizontal line (overline) above a numeral to indicate multiplication by 1000.

V̅ = 5,000
X̅ = 10,000
L̅ = 50,000

However, overline notation is not part of standard Roman numeral usage and is rarely supported in digital text, calculators, or everyday conversion tools. For this reason, most Roman numeral converters limit results to 1–3999.

Common Roman Numeral Mistakes

Writing IL instead of XLIX for 49
Using VV instead of X for 10
Repeating symbols more than three times (e.g. IIII instead of IV)
Mixing ascending and descending order incorrectly

Following the official rules ensures Roman numerals remain readable, historically accurate, and universally understood.

Modern Usage of Roman Numerals

Although Roman numerals are no longer used for everyday calculations, they remain widely used in modern life for design, tradition, and clarity. Their visual style gives a sense of importance, formality, and timelessness.

Clock Faces and Watches

One of the most common modern uses of Roman numerals is on analog clocks and luxury watches. Roman numerals improve readability and add a classical aesthetic.

Many clock faces use Roman numerals I through XII
Some clocks display IIII instead of IV for visual balance
High-end watch brands often prefer Roman numerals for elegance

Movie Titles and Sequels

Roman numerals are frequently used to number sequels in movies, TV series, and video games to create a premium or epic feeling.

Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV
Star Wars Episode IV
Final Fantasy VII

Copyright Years

Roman numerals are often used to represent copyright years in films, television shows, and video games. This makes the year less immediately readable while still remaining accurate.

© MMXXV = 2025

Books, Chapters, and Outlines

Roman numerals are commonly used in books and academic writing to organize content clearly.

Prefaces and introductions use Roman numerals (i, ii, iii)
Chapters or sections may be labeled I, II, III
Legal and academic outlines often rely on Roman numerals

Sporting Events

Major sporting events use Roman numerals to number editions rather than calendar years, avoiding confusion across decades.

Super Bowl LVIII (58)
Super Bowl XLIX (49)
WrestleMania XXXIX

Monuments, Buildings, and Cornerstones

Roman numerals are engraved on buildings, monuments, and cornerstones to display construction years or commemorative dates.

Churches and historical buildings
Statues and memorials
Government and institutional architecture

Branding, Logos, and Product Names

Many brands use Roman numerals to make products feel premium, exclusive, or long-standing.

Luxury watches and fashion collections
Car models and limited editions
High-end audio and technology products

Today, Roman numerals are less about calculation and more about visual impact, tradition, and authority. This continued use ensures Roman numerals remain relevant even in a digital world.