Roman Numerals Converter
Convert between Roman numerals and standard numbers. Supports values from 1 to 3,999,999 with a quick reference chart.
Roman Numeral
MMXXVI
2026 in Roman numerals
Roman Numeral Symbols
| Symbol | Value | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | unum |
| V | 5 | quinque |
| X | 10 | decem |
| L | 50 | quīnquāgintā |
| C | 100 | centum |
| D | 500 | quingenti |
| M | 1,000 | mille |
Quick Reference
How to Convert
- Write symbols left to right in decreasing value order
- No symbol should be repeated four or more times (use IV, not IIII)
- A smaller symbol before a larger one means subtraction (IX = 9)
- A smaller symbol after a larger one means addition (XI = 11)
- Only I, X, and C can be used as subtractive prefixes
How to Use
- 1
Choose Number → Roman or Roman → Number mode
- 2
Enter a number (1–3,999,999) or Roman numeral string
- 3
View the instant conversion result
- 4
Browse the symbol table and quick reference chart below
Examples
Good Examples
Year conversion
2026 → MMXXVIClassic Roman numeral
1999 → MCMXCIXReverse conversion
MCMLXIX → 1969Bad Examples
Using IIII instead of IV
No symbol should repeat 4+ timesUsing MIM for 1999
Must be MCMXCIX — subtractive rules are strictCommon Mistakes
- Repeating a symbol 4 or more times (IIII instead of IV)
- Using V, L, or D as subtractive prefixes
- Writing 1999 as MIM instead of MCMXCIX
- Forgetting that subtractive values must be at least 1/10 of the larger value
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no zero in Roman numerals?
The Romans used numerals primarily for counting rather than calculation. Anything with zero value was not considered a number — it was expressed by the Latin word "nulla" (nothing).
What is the largest number in Roman numerals?
The standard system goes up to 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). Larger numbers use the vinculum system — a bar over a numeral multiplies it by 1,000 (e.g., V̅ = 5,000, M̅ = 1,000,000).
Why is 1999 written as MCMXCIX and not MIM?
Roman numeral rules require that the subtractive value be at least 1/10 of the larger value, and each power of ten has its own group. So 1999 breaks down as M (1000) + CM (900) + XC (90) + IX (9).
Why do some clocks use IIII instead of IV?
While IV is the standard notation, IIII has a long historical tradition on clock faces. Some theories suggest it was for aesthetic symmetry (opposite VIII), or to honor the Roman god Jupiter (IVPPITER).