Turn any number from 1 to 3,999 into Roman numerals, or read Roman numerals back as a number, with a step-by-step breakdown.
Roman numerals still show up on clock faces, book chapters, movie credits, Super Bowl titles, building foundation stones and tattoos of special dates. The system uses just seven letters, but the subtraction rule (IV for 4, IX for 9) trips people up. This converter works both ways and shows exactly how each numeral is built.
How do you convert numbers to Roman numerals?
Break the number into thousands, hundreds, tens and ones, then write each part with the matching letters. For 2026: 2000 = MM, 20 = XX, 6 = VI, so 2026 = MMXXVI. Use subtraction pairs for 4s and 9s: IV, IX, XL, XC, CD and CM.
The seven Roman numerals
| Letter | Value |
|---|---|
| I | 1 |
| V | 5 |
| X | 10 |
| L | 50 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 500 |
| M | 1,000 |
The rules
Add when a smaller letter follows a larger one. VI = 5 + 1 = 6.
Subtract when a smaller letter comes first. IV = 5 − 1 = 4. Only I, X and C are placed before a larger letter, and only before the next two sizes up (I before V and X, X before L and C, C before D and M).
Don’t repeat a letter more than three times. 4 is IV, not IIII. Old clock faces sometimes show IIII, which is a traditional exception.
Common numbers
| Number | Roman | Number | Roman |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | IV | 40 | XL |
| 9 | IX | 90 | XC |
| 14 | XIV | 400 | CD |
| 19 | XIX | 900 | CM |
| 2000 | MM | 3999 | MMMCMXCIX |
How to use the Roman Numeral Converter
Type a number
Enter any whole number from 1 to 3,999.
Or type a Roman numeral
Enter letters such as MCMXC to convert back to a number. Lowercase works too.
Read the result and breakdown
The answer appears in large text, with each part listed so you can see how it was built.
Frequently asked questions
What is 2026 in Roman numerals?
2026 is MMXXVI: MM (2000) + XX (20) + VI (6).
Why can't I convert numbers above 3,999?
Standard Roman numerals have no letter above M, so 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX) is the largest number written without special overline notation.
Is there a Roman numeral for zero?
No. The Roman system had no symbol for zero.
How do I write a date in Roman numerals?
Convert the day, month and year separately and join them with dots, for example 14.8.1947 becomes XIV.VIII.MCMXLVII.
Why do some clocks show IIII instead of IV?
It’s a long-standing clockmaking tradition, partly for visual balance with VIII on the other side of the dial.
Sources and further reading
Related tools
Last reviewed: October 2026