Roman Numeral Converter
Convert numbers to Roman numerals and back, instantly. Type a number (1–3999) or a Roman numeral in either box.
37 = XXXVII
The Roman numeral symbols
| Symbol | Value |
|---|---|
| I | 1 |
| V | 5 |
| X | 10 |
| L | 50 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 500 |
| M | 1000 |
Symbols add from left to right: XXXVII is X + X + V + I + I = 37. When a smaller symbol sits before a larger one, it subtracts: IX = 10 − 1 = 9, and MCMXCVII = M + CM + XC + VII = 1,997.
Roman numerals 1 to 20
| Number | Roman numeral |
|---|---|
| 1 | I |
| 2 | II |
| 3 | III |
| 4 | IV |
| 5 | V |
| 6 | VI |
| 7 | VII |
| 8 | VIII |
| 9 | IX |
| 10 | X |
| 11 | XI |
| 12 | XII |
| 13 | XIII |
| 14 | XIV |
| 15 | XV |
| 16 | XVI |
| 17 | XVII |
| 18 | XVIII |
| 19 | XIX |
| 20 | XX |
How do Roman numerals work?
Roman numerals combine seven symbols — I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), M (1000). Symbols normally add from left to right (XVI = 16), but a smaller symbol before a larger one subtracts (IX = 9, XL = 40, CM = 900). A symbol may repeat at most three times in a row.
What is the largest number you can write in Roman numerals?
Using standard rules, 3,999 — written MMMCMXCIX (MMM = 3000, CM = 900, XC = 90, IX = 9). Larger numbers historically used an overline (vinculum) multiplying a symbol by 1,000.
Why is there no zero in Roman numerals?
The Roman system was designed for counting and recording quantities, not arithmetic. The concept of zero as a number arrived in Europe with the Hindu-Arabic numeral system around the 12th century, long after Roman numerals were established.
How do you write 2026 in Roman numerals?
2026 is MMXXVI: MM (2000) + XX (20) + VI (6).