Roman Numeral Converter
Convert between Roman numerals and Arabic numbers with a full symbol breakdown
Enter any whole number between 1 and 3,999
// Symbol Breakdown
// Step-by-Step
// Roman Numeral Symbols — Click to Convert
// Notable Years — Click to Convert
// Conversion History
How Roman Numerals Work
Roman numerals use seven symbols combined using additive and subtractive notation. Symbols are generally written from largest to smallest (left to right), and their values are added together. When a smaller value appears before a larger one, it is subtracted — this is the subtractive rule.
The Subtractive Pairs
Where Roman Numerals Are Used Today
Roman numerals are still common on clock faces, book chapter numbering, film credits and sequels (Super Bowl LVIII), copyright years on films and television, and formal documents. They are also used in medical prescriptions and academic contexts.
// Memory Aid
I Very eXcited Lucy Counts Digits Most — I(1) V(5) X(10) L(50) C(100) D(500) M(1000).
// Max Repetition
The same symbol can appear at most 3 times in a row: III=3, but 4 is IV not IIII. V, L and D are never repeated.
// Clock Faces
Most clock faces use IIII instead of IV for 4. This is a historical quirk — it balances the VIII on the opposite side visually.
// Super Bowl
The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals — except Super Bowl 50, which used "50" instead of "L" because the NFL felt L looked awkward as a title.