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Roman Numeral Converter

Convert numbers to Roman numerals and back, from 1 to 3,999, including dates for tattoos and engravings.

Math & StudyWorldwideSource: Standard subtractive Roman notationFree, no sign-up

Type 1994 or MCMXCIV — it converts either way.

Standard Roman numerals run from 1 (I) to 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX).

2026 in Roman numerals

MMXXVI

PartValueNumeral
Thousands2,000MM
Tens20XX
Ones6VI

Standard subtractive notation: I 1, V 5, X 10, L 50, C 100, D 500, M 1,000; IV 4, IX 9, XL 40, XC 90, CD 400, CM 900. A numeral that is not in standard form (such as IIII or IC) is flagged with its standard spelling (Roman numerals).

How to convert Roman numerals

  1. Type a number or numeral. 1994 or MCMXCIV — it converts either way.
  2. Read the result. With the thousands, hundreds, tens and ones broken down.
  3. Or convert a date. Pick a date and a separator for a tattoo or engraving.

10 uses for Roman numerals today

Tattoo dates

Someone converts a wedding date to put on a tattoo.

Engraving

A jeweller engraves a year in numerals.

Super Bowl numbers

A fan converts Super Bowl LX to 60.

Clock faces

Someone reads IIII or IV on a clock.

Book chapters and outlines

A student numbers outline sections.

Film copyright years

A viewer reads MCMXCIX in film credits.

Monarchs and popes

A history student reads Henry VIII.

Building cornerstones

Someone reads a year carved on a building.

Homework

A student checks answers.

Event branding

An organiser numbers an annual event.

How Roman numerals are written

Standard Roman numerals use I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500 and M = 1,000, written largest first. Six subtractive pairs replace four repeats: IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90, CD = 400, CM = 900. The largest number in standard form is 3,999, MMMCMXCIX.

A numeral that is valid but not in standard form, such as IIII or IC, is flagged with its standard spelling.

Limits: larger numbers need overlines or other conventions that are not standard and are not covered. There is no Roman numeral for zero. Check a date's layout before it is tattooed or engraved.

Frequently asked questions

What is 2026 in Roman numerals?

MMXXVI.

What is MCMXCIV?

1994.

How do you write 4 in Roman numerals?

IV in standard form; some clocks use IIII.

Why is 3,999 the limit?

Standard notation has no single symbol above M, and four Ms in a row is not standard.

Is there a Roman numeral for zero?

No.

How do I write a date in Roman numerals?

Convert the month, day and year separately and join them with dots, dashes or spaces.

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