Roman Numeral Converter
Convert between Arabic numbers and Roman numerals (1–3999).
Number → Roman
MMXXVI
Roman → Number
2026
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Reviewed by
Vikram RaoSenior Software Engineer
· B.Tech Computer Science· 14 years building timezone-aware systems· Open-source contributor to date-fns
How Roman Numerals Work
Roman numerals use seven symbols to represent all integers from 1 to 3999. Numbers are formed by combining symbols from largest to smallest, left to right. When a smaller symbol appears immediately before a larger one, it is subtracted — a rule called subtractive notation. In all other positions, symbols are added.
The six valid subtractive pairs are: IV (4), IX (9), XL (40), XC (90), CD (400), CM (900). Combinations like IC, VX, or IM are not valid.
Roman Numeral Symbol Reference
I= 1
IV= 4
V= 5
IX= 9
X= 10
XL= 40
L= 50
XC= 90
C= 100
CD= 400
D= 500
CM= 900
M= 1000
These 13 values are the building blocks for all numbers 1–3999.
Recent Years in Roman Numerals
| Year | Roman Numeral |
|---|---|
| 1999 | MCMXCIX |
| 2000 | MM |
| 2024 | MMXXIV |
| 2025 | MMXXV |
| 2026 | MMXXVI |
| 2030 | MMXXX |
| 2100 | MMC |
Where Roman Numerals Are Used Today
- →Super Bowl: The NFL names each Super Bowl with Roman numerals. Super Bowl LVIII (58) was held in 2024.
- →Film sequels: Movie sequels often use Roman numerals: Rocky IV, Star Wars Episode IV, The Godfather Part II.
- →Copyright dates: Film and TV copyright notices display the production year in Roman numerals (e.g., © MMXXIV).
- →Book chapters: Academic books and legal documents use Roman numerals for front matter (i, ii, iii) and chapter numbers (I, II, III).
- →Royalty and popes: Monarchs and popes are numbered with Roman numerals: Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, King Charles III.
- →Clock faces: Traditional analog clocks use Roman numerals I–XII, often with IIII instead of IV for aesthetic balance.
- →Building cornerstones: The founding year inscribed on buildings and monuments is frequently in Roman numerals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enter any number from 1 to 3999 in the converter above. It instantly shows the Roman numeral. For example, 2024 = MMXXIV (MM=2000, XX=20, IV=4). The tool also breaks down each part so you can understand the composition.
The seven symbols are: I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, M = 1000. All numbers from 1 to 3999 are built by combining these symbols according to additive and subtractive notation rules.
Subtractive notation means a smaller symbol placed before a larger one is subtracted. Only six combinations are valid: IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90, CD = 400, CM = 900. All other placements are additive (e.g. VI = 6, XI = 11). You cannot use IL for 49 — the correct form is XLIX.
Traditional Roman numerals can represent at most 3999 (MMMCMXCIX) without special notation. Numbers 4000+ would require a vinculum — a bar over a numeral indicating multiplication by 1000. The vinculum is not part of modern standard usage and is not supported by most converters.
Start from the left and group symbols. MCMXCIX = M (1000) + CM (900) + XC (90) + IX (9) = 1999. A useful trick: if a symbol is followed by a larger symbol, subtract it; otherwise add it. Film copyright dates and building cornerstones most commonly use this format.
This is a historical convention dating to medieval clockmaking. IIII creates visual symmetry — the right half of the clock face (I through IIII) mirrors the left (V through VIII). Some historians also suggest IV was avoided because it abbreviates the name of the Roman god Jupiter (IVPITER). Most traditional analog clocks still use IIII to this day.
2024 = MMXXIV. Breaking it down: MM = 2000, XX = 20, IV = 4. Similarly: 2025 = MMXXV, 2026 = MMXXVI, 2030 = MMXXX, 2100 = MMC.
Common modern uses: Super Bowl numbers (Super Bowl LVIII = 58), Olympic games, chapter and volume numbers in books, movie sequels (Rocky IV), copyright years on films and TV shows, clock and watch faces, outlines and lists (I, II, III, IV…), monarchy/pope numbering (King Charles III), and inscriptions on monuments and buildings.
1000 = M, 2000 = MM, 3000 = MMM. The maximum with standard M symbols is 3999 (MMMCMXCIX). For 900 use CM, for 400 use CD. For example: 1900 = MCM, 1999 = MCMXCIX, 2000 = MM, 2500 = MMD.
No. The Roman numeral system has no symbol for zero and cannot represent negative numbers. This was a significant limitation compared to the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, which eventually replaced Roman numerals for mathematics and commerce in Europe during the Middle Ages.