What are the Roman numeral symbols?

The seven symbols are: I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), M (1,000).

How do you write 2026 in Roman numerals?

2026 in Roman numerals is MMXXVI (MM = 2000, XX = 20, VI = 6).

What is the largest Roman numeral?

Without vinculum notation, the largest standard number is MMMCMXCIX (3,999).

Is there a Roman numeral for zero?

No, Roman numerals have no symbol for zero. The concept was unknown in Roman mathematics.

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Roman Numeral Converter

Enter a Number or Roman Numeral

Auto-detects Arabic numbers and Roman numerals

Roman Numeral Reference Chart

2II

3III

4IV

6VI

7VII

8VIII

9IX

10X

20XX

30XXX

40XL

50L

100C

200CC

300CCC

400CD

500D

900CM

1000M

1500MD

2000MM

2024MMXXIV

2026MMXXVI

3000MMM

3999MMMCMXCIX

Roman Numeral Rules

Seven symbols: I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), M (1,000)

Addition rule: Symbols of equal or decreasing value are added (VI = 6, XV = 15)

Subtraction rule: A smaller symbol before a larger one means subtraction (IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40)

Maximum repetition: A symbol may be repeated up to 3 times (III = 3, but not IIII)

V, L, D never repeat: These symbols appear only once and are never used in subtraction

Roman Numeral Converter: Convert Between Roman and Arabic Numbers

Our Roman Numeral Converter instantly converts between Roman numerals and Arabic (standard) numbers. Whether you're decoding a clock face, reading chapter numbers, or working with historical dates, this tool handles conversions in both directions with ease.

Roman numerals have been in use for over 2,500 years and remain relevant today — appearing on clock faces, in movie credits, for Super Bowl numbering, and in academic outlines. Understanding how to read and write them is both a practical skill and a window into history.

This guide covers the rules for reading and writing Roman numerals, the history behind the system, and how to handle large numbers using the vinculum (overline) notation.

How Roman Numerals Work

Roman numerals use seven base symbols: I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1,000). Numbers are formed by combining these symbols using addition and subtraction rules.

When a smaller numeral appears before a larger one, it is subtracted (e.g., IV = 4, XL = 40, CD = 400). When a smaller numeral appears after a larger one, it is added (e.g., VI = 6, LX = 60).

No symbol may be repeated more than three times consecutively (III = 3, but IIII is not valid — use IV instead). The symbols V, L, and D are never repeated and cannot be used in subtraction.

How to Use the Roman Numeral Converter

Step 1: Enter a Number: Type either an Arabic number (e.g., 2024) or a Roman numeral (e.g., MMXXIV).
Step 2: Automatic Detection: The converter detects whether your input is Arabic or Roman and converts accordingly.
Step 3: Date Conversion: Use the date converter section to convert full dates between formats.
Step 4: Large Numbers: For numbers above 3,999, use underscores for vinculum notation (e.g., _V for 5,000).

Roman Numeral Rules

Addition Rule

VI = 5 + 1 = 6 | XII = 10 + 1 + 1 = 12 | MCL = 1000 + 100 + 50 = 1150

When equal or decreasing values appear left to right, add them.

Subtraction Rule

IV = 5 − 1 = 4 | XL = 50 − 10 = 40 | CD = 500 − 100 = 400

When a smaller value precedes a larger one, subtract the smaller from the larger.

Vinculum (Overline)

V̄ = 5,000 | X̄ = 10,000 | M̄ = 1,000,000

An overline multiplies the value by 1,000. Use underscore before the letter in our converter.

Common Roman Numeral Conversions

Arabic	Roman	Notes
1	I	Basic unit
4	IV	Subtraction: 5 − 1
9	IX	Subtraction: 10 − 1
2026	MMXXVI	Current year

Benefits of Our Roman Numeral Converter

✓
Bi-Directional
Convert from Arabic to Roman and Roman to Arabic numbers instantly.
✓
Date Support
Convert full dates (day/month/year) between Roman and Arabic formats.
✓
Large Numbers
Supports numbers up to 3,999,999 using vinculum notation.
✓
Educational
Complete guide to Roman numeral rules, history, and usage.