Roman Numeral Converter

Roman numerals write numbers with the letters I, V, X, L, C, D and M. Symbols are added, except that a smaller symbol before a larger one is subtracted, as in IV for 4 and CM for 900. This converter works both ways for 1 to 3999, explains the breakdown and rejects non-standard numerals.

Type 1–3999 or a numeral like MMXXVI.
Try:

How to use the roman numeral converter

  1. Type a number from 1 to 3999, or a Roman numeral.
  2. Press Calculate.
  3. Read the conversion and the breakdown.

Formula

I=1, V=5, X=10, L=50, C=100, D=500, M=1000\text{I}=1,\ \text{V}=5,\ \text{X}=10,\ \text{L}=50,\ \text{C}=100,\ \text{D}=500,\ \text{M}=1000

Worked example: 2026

  • Number or Roman numeral: 2026

✓ Answer checked

2026 = MMXXVI

Step-by-step working (2 steps)

  1. Break into place values

    Take the largest symbol (or subtractive pair) that fits, again and again.

    M (1000) + M (1000) + X (10) + X (10) + V (5) + I (1)\text{M (1000) + M (1000) + X (10) + X (10) + V (5) + I (1)}

  2. Join the symbols

    Write them from largest to smallest.

    MMXXVI\text{MMXXVI}
Formulas used
I=1, V=5, X=10, L=50, C=100, D=500, M=1000\text{I=1, V=5, X=10, L=50, C=100, D=500, M=1000}
How this was checked
  • ✓ Reading MMXXVI back gives 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is 2026 in Roman numerals?

MMXXVI: MM = 2000, XX = 20, VI = 6.

Why is 4 written IV, not IIII?

The standard form uses subtraction: I before V means 5 − 1. Clocks sometimes use IIII for design reasons.

Can Roman numerals show zero?

No. The Roman system had no symbol for zero.

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