How do I convert numbers to Roman numerals?

Build the numeral by combining the largest place-value symbols first, using subtractive pairs like IV (4), IX (9), XL (40), and CM (900) for values ending in 4 and 9.

How do I read Roman numerals?

Add the values of each symbol from left to right, but when a smaller symbol precedes a larger one, subtract it. For example, XIV = 10 + (5 − 1) = 14.

Why is 4 written as IV and not IIII?

The subtractive notation (IV, IX, XL) became standard to avoid long repetitions and make numbers easier to read. Clocks sometimes still use IIII for tradition, but standard numerals use IV.

What is the largest number you can write in Roman numerals?

Classically, the largest representable number is 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). Above that, numerals like V with an overbar extend the system, but they are rarely used in practice.

What are Roman numerals used for today?

They appear on clock faces, movie release years, outlines, monarch and pope names, Super Bowl numbers, and book chapters. The converter covers numbers 1 to 3,999.

Roman Numeral Converter

Convert between numbers and Roman numerals in either direction. The Roman numeral converter follows the standard subtractive rules (IV, IX, XL, CM) for values up to 3,999.

Number (1-3999)