Roman Numeral Converter

Convert between Arabic numbers and Roman numerals

Input Value

Direction

Conversion Result

MMXXIV

2024 → MMXXIV

Key Roman Numerals

Reference Table

Arabic Number	Roman Numeral
1	I
2	II
3	III
4	IV
5	V
6	VI
7	VII
8	VIII
9	IX
10	X
15	XV
20	XX
25	XXV
30	XXX
40	XL
50	L
60	LX
70	LXX
80	LXXX
90	XC
100	C
200	CC
300	CCC
400	CD
500	D
1000	M
2000	MM
3000	MMM
3999	MMMCMXCIX

Understanding Roman Numerals

What Are Roman Numerals?

Roman numerals are a number system originating in ancient Rome, using combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet (I, V, X, L, C, D, M). They represent values through additive and subtractive notation.

The Seven Symbols

I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, M = 1000. These seven symbols combine to represent all numbers from 1 to 3999 using specific rules.

Rules of Formation

Symbols are written left to right in descending order (VI = 6). When a smaller symbol precedes a larger one, subtract it (IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90, CD = 400, CM = 900). No symbol appears more than three times consecutively.

Limitations

The standard Roman numeral system represents integers from 1 to 3999. There is no symbol for zero, and fractions were handled separately. For numbers above 3999, a bar over a symbol multiplies by 1000.

Modern Usage

Roman numerals are used for clock faces, book chapters, movie sequels, monarch names (Elizabeth II), building inscriptions, and sporting events (Super Bowl LVII). They convey formality and tradition.

Practical Example

2024 in Roman numerals: 2000 = MM, 20 = XX, 4 = IV. Combined: MMXXIV.

MCMLXXXIV: M(1000) + CM(900) + LXXX(80) + IV(4) = 1984.

Perguntas Frequentes

Why is there no zero in Roman numerals?

The Roman numeral system was developed before the concept of zero was introduced to Europe. Zero came from Indian mathematics through Arabic scholars. Romans used the word 'nulla' for nothing.

What is the largest number in Roman numerals?

Standard Roman numerals go up to 3999 (MMMCMXCIX). For larger numbers, a bar over a symbol multiplies it by 1000 (V̄ = 5000). With overlines, the system extends to millions.

Why do clocks use Roman numeral IIII instead of IV?

Tradition. IIII provides visual symmetry with VIII on the opposite side. Also, IV was avoided to not offend Jupiter (IVPPITER in Latin). This convention dates to medieval clockmaking.

How do you write 4 in Roman numerals?

4 is IV (subtractive: 5 − 1). On clocks it appears as IIII (additive: 1 + 1 + 1 + 1). Both are valid, but IV is standard in modern notation.

Who invented Roman numerals?

They evolved from Etruscan numerals around 500 BCE. The system developed over centuries, with subtractive notation (IV, IX) becoming standardized in the medieval period.

Disclaimer: This converter handles integers from 1 to 3999.

References

Wikipedia. "Roman numerals." en.wikipedia.org

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