Type a number such as 2026 or a Roman numeral such as MCMXCIV and the converter recognises which one you entered and shows the other straight away. It also breaks the result into its parts, for example MCMXCIV = M + CM + XC + IV = 1000 + 900 + 90 + 4, so you can see exactly how it works.
Use it for years on buildings and film credits, tattoo and engraving dates, clock faces, book chapters, Super Bowl numbers or homework. Roman numerals are checked strictly, so you can be sure a numeral is written correctly.
How to use the Roman Numeral Converter tool
- Type a number from 1 to 3999, or a Roman numeral.
- Read the converted value in large type.
- Check the breakdown to see how the numeral is built.
- Use the chart below for the basic symbols.
Why use ToolOrca Roman Numeral Converter
- Two-way conversion with auto-detection
- Numbers from 1 to 3999
- Strict validation of Roman numerals
- Step-by-step breakdown
- Reference chart of symbols
- Upper or lower case input
How Roman numerals work
There are seven symbols: I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500 and M = 1000. Symbols are written from largest to smallest and added together: VIII = 5 + 3 = 8.
To avoid four identical symbols in a row, a smaller symbol placed before a larger one is subtracted. Only six such pairs are used: IV (4), IX (9), XL (40), XC (90), CD (400) and CM (900). So 1994 is M + CM + XC + IV = MCMXCIV, and 2026 is MMXXVI.
Frequently asked questions
What is the largest Roman numeral?
With standard symbols, the largest number is 3999 (MMMCMXCIX). Larger numbers were written with a bar over a symbol to multiply it by 1000, which this converter does not use.
Is there a Roman numeral for zero?
No. The Romans had no symbol for zero, so 0 and negative numbers cannot be written in Roman numerals.
Why is IIII on some clocks?
Many clock faces use IIII instead of IV for 4 as a design tradition. Strictly, IV is the correct form, so this converter rejects IIII.
How do I write a date in Roman numerals?
Convert the day, month and year separately and join them with dots or dashes, for example 14.11.2026 = XIV.XI.MMXXVI.