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Number to Roman Numerals Converter
Convert numbers to Roman numerals and Roman numerals back to numbers. Free, simple, and accurate.
Roman Numeral Converter
Roman numerals are a numeral system that originated in ancient Rome. Numbers are represented by combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet (I, V, X, L, C, D, M).
About Roman Numerals
Roman numerals are a numeral system that originated in ancient Rome and remained the usual way of writing numbers throughout Europe well into the Late Middle Ages. Unlike our current decimal system that uses place values (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.), Roman numerals use a combination of symbols where each symbol represents a fixed value.
The basic symbols used in the Roman numeral system are:
- I = 1
- V = 5
- X = 10
- L = 50
- C = 100
- D = 500
- M = 1000
How to Use the Converter
- Choose the conversion direction - "Number to Roman" or "Roman to Number"
- Enter your input - Type a number (1-3999) or a Roman numeral
- Click the Convert button - See your result instantly
- Copy the result - Use the copy button to easily copy the converted value
Rules for Writing Roman Numerals
Roman numerals follow specific rules for combining symbols:
- Additive principle - When a symbol appears after a larger or equal symbol, it's added (e.g., VI = 5 + 1 = 6)
- Subtractive principle - When a symbol appears before a larger symbol, it's subtracted (e.g., IV = 5 - 1 = 4)
- Repetition limit - The same symbol cannot be used more than three times in a row, except for M (1000)
- Subtractive limitations - Only I, X, and C can be used as subtractive numerals
Common Uses for Roman Numerals Today
- Clock and watch faces
- Names of monarchs and popes (e.g., Elizabeth II, Pope Francis I)
- Movie sequel numbering (e.g., Star Wars IV)
- Outlines and lists in documents
- Copyright dates for movies and TV shows
- Numbering of sporting events (e.g., Super Bowl LVI)
- Book chapters and appendices
FAQs
What are Roman numerals?
Roman numerals are a numeral system that originated in ancient Rome and remained the usual way of writing numbers throughout Europe well into the Late Middle Ages. Numbers are represented by combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet (I, V, X, L, C, D, M). For example, 2023 is written as MMXXIII in Roman numerals.
What is the range of numbers this converter can handle?
Our converter can handle numbers from 1 to 3999, which is the standard range for classical Roman numerals. Numbers larger than 3999 would require special notation that is not universally standardized.
Why can't Roman numerals represent zero or negative numbers?
The ancient Romans did not have a concept of zero or negative numbers in their numeral system. Zero was introduced much later from the Hindu-Arabic numeral system. Our converter only works with positive integers from 1 to 3999.
What are the basic Roman numeral symbols?
The seven basic symbols in Roman numerals are: I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000). These symbols are combined according to specific rules to represent different numbers.
What are the rules for writing Roman numerals?
The basic rules are: 1) When a symbol appears after a larger or equal symbol, it's added (e.g., VI = 6). 2) When a symbol appears before a larger symbol, it's subtracted (e.g., IV = 4). 3) The same symbol cannot be used more than three times in a row, except for M (1000). 4) Only I, X, and C can be used as subtractive numerals.
Can I convert Roman numerals back to standard numbers?
Yes, our tool works both ways. You can convert from standard numbers to Roman numerals and from Roman numerals back to standard numbers. Just use the appropriate tab in the converter interface.
Where are Roman numerals still used today?
Roman numerals are still used in several contexts today: on clock faces, in names of monarchs and popes (e.g., Elizabeth II), in movie sequel numbering (e.g., Star Wars IV), in outlines and lists, in copyright dates for movies and TV shows, in the numbering of sporting events like the Olympics and Super Bowl, and occasionally in book chapters and appendices.