Roman Numeral Converter
Convert between Arabic and Roman numerals.
Reference table
Online Roman numeral converter: translate between number systems
Roman numerals are still widely used today, despite being over 2,000 years old. We find them on classic clocks, book chapter numbering, century designation, names of popes and monarchs, Super Bowl numbering, and in film production year credits.
The Roman system uses seven basic symbols: I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000). The main rule is that symbols are added when in descending order and subtracted when a smaller symbol precedes a larger one.
Our tool supports bidirectional conversions for numbers from 1 to 3999. The included reference table facilitates quick lookup of the most common values.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the limit 3999?
The standard Roman system only allows up to three repetitions of the same symbol. Since M = 1000 and there is no standard symbol for 5000, the maximum representable is MMMCMXCIX = 3999. Historically, Romans used an overline on symbols to multiply by 1000, but this notation is not common today.
How do you write the current year in Roman numerals?
The year 2026 is written as MMXXVI in Roman numerals. It breaks down as: MM (2000) + XX (20) + VI (6). You can use our tool to convert any year by simply entering the number in the input field.
Does zero exist in Roman numerals?
No, the Roman system has no representation for zero. This is one of its main drawbacks compared to the Arabic system. The concept of zero was introduced in Europe through Arab and Indian mathematicians in the Middle Ages, which eventually led to the adoption of the decimal system we use today.