Roman Numeral Converter
Convert any whole number from 1 to 3999 into Roman numerals, or paste Roman numerals to get the number back — instantly, in either direction.
How to use
Type a number to see its Roman numeral form, using the standard subtractive notation (so 4 is "IV" rather than "IIII", and 9 is "IX" rather than "VIIII"). Switch modes to go the other way: paste Roman numerals to get the equivalent number.
Common uses: reading chapter or volume numbers in books, movie sequel numbering (like a Super Bowl or a film franchise), monarch names (Elizabeth II), clock faces, copyright dates on film credits, and outline numbering.
FAQ
Why is 4 written as IV instead of IIII?
Roman numerals use subtractive notation for four specific cases: IV (4), IX (9), XL (40), XC (90), CD (400) and CM (900) — a smaller numeral placed before a larger one means "subtract", making numbers shorter than writing four repeated symbols.
What's the largest number Roman numerals can represent?
The standard system (using I, V, X, L, C, D, M without special marks) goes up to 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). Larger numbers historically used a bar (vinculum) over a numeral to multiply it by 1,000, which isn't in common modern use.
Is there a Roman numeral for zero?
No — the Romans had no symbol for zero in this system, since it was designed for counting and tallying, not as a full positional number system. Roman numerals start at I (1).
How do I write a year like 1994 in Roman numerals?
1994 = MCMXCIV: M (1000) + CM (900) + XC (90) + IV (4). Type 1994 into this converter to see it broken down instantly.