About the Roman Numeral Converter
Tezmy's Roman Numeral Converter works both ways in a single box: type a number like 2026 to get MMXXVI, or type a Roman numeral like MCMXCIV to get 1994. It also shows how the numeral is built from its parts, which helps with homework, tattoos, dates on buildings and film credits, clock faces and Super Bowl numbers. Invalid numerals like IIII or IC are flagged so you always get the correct standard form.
Updated October 2026
How to use the Roman Numeral Converter
- 1Type a number (1–3999) or a Roman numeral.
- 2Read the conversion instantly.
- 3See how the numeral breaks down into parts.
- 4Copy the result.
The seven Roman numerals
Numbers are built by adding symbols from largest to smallest: VIII = 5 + 3 = 8, and MDCCLXXVI = 1776.
- I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50.
- C = 100, D = 500, M = 1000.
The subtraction rule
When a smaller symbol comes before a larger one, it is subtracted: IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90, CD = 400 and CM = 900. Only I, X and C can be subtracted, and only from the next two larger symbols. That's why 99 is XCIX, not IC, and why the converter flags numerals that break these rules.
Where Roman numerals are used
- Dates on buildings, monuments and film credits.
- Tattoos of birth dates and anniversaries.
- Clock and watch faces.
- Book chapters, outlines, kings and queens (Elizabeth II), and events like the Super Bowl.
Writing dates in Roman numerals
Convert each part separately. For 14 February 2026: XIV · II · MMXXVI. For tattoos, double-check the result with the step-by-step breakdown shown under your answer, and decide on the order (day-month-year or month-day-year) before you commit.
Why only up to 3,999?
Standard Roman numerals have no symbol above M (1,000), and a symbol can only repeat three times, so MMMCMXCIX (3,999) is the largest number you can write the usual way. Romans used lines over letters for bigger numbers, but those aren't used in modern writing.
Convert on any device
Open this page in Safari, Chrome or Edge on your phone, tablet or computer. There's nothing to install and no sign-up, and everything runs on your own device, so what you type is never uploaded. If you are working with other number systems, the Number Base Converter shows the same value in binary, octal and hex. The Unit Converter handles measures, and the Age Calculator is handy when you want a birth year written on a monument or a clock face.
Features
- Converts both directions
- Numbers 1 to 3,999
- Step-by-step breakdown
- Catches invalid numerals
- Upper or lower case input
- Instant results
Frequently asked questions
What are the Roman numeral symbols?
I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500 and M = 1000.
Why is 4 written IV and not IIII?
Standard Roman numerals use subtraction for 4 and 9: a smaller symbol before a larger one is subtracted. So 4 is IV (5 − 1), 9 is IX, 40 is XL and 90 is XC.
How do you write 2026 in Roman numerals?
MMXXVI: MM (2000) + XX (20) + VI (6).
Why only up to 3,999?
Standard Roman numerals can't repeat a symbol more than three times, so MMMCMXCIX (3,999) is the largest. Bigger numbers used special bars that aren't standard today.
Is there a Roman numeral for zero?
No. The Romans had no symbol for zero.
What is 2000 in Roman numerals?
MM. Each M is 1,000.
How do I write my birth year in Roman numerals?
Type the year, for example 1995, to get MCMXCV, with a breakdown of how it's built.
Can I type lowercase Roman numerals?
Yes. Lowercase like xiv works the same as XIV.
What is 50 in Roman numerals?
L. For example, 40 is XL (50 minus 10) and 60 is LX (50 plus 10).