Roman Numbers Converter โ Number to Roman Numeral Converter
Roman numbers converter - Convert numbers to Roman numerals and Roman numerals to numbers. Number to Roman numeral converter online. Supports numbers 1-3999 with step-by-step breakdown.
โน๏ธSupports numbers from 1 to 3,999. Valid Roman numerals use symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, M.
Roman Numeral
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Results are estimates. Not professional advice.
Complete Guide to Roman Numerals
What Are Roman Numerals?
Roman numerals are a numeral system that originated in ancient Rome around 500 BCE. This system uses combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet to represent numbers. Unlike the Arabic numeral system (0-9) that we use today, Roman numerals don't include zero and use a different method of representing values.
Roman numerals remained the standard way of writing numbers throughout Europe well into the Late Middle Ages (around 1400 CE). Today, they're still used in many contexts including clock faces, book chapter headings, movie copyright dates, monarch names, and building cornerstones.
The Seven Basic Symbols
Roman numerals are built from seven fundamental symbols, each representing a specific value:
Core Rules for Reading and Writing Roman Numerals
Rule 1: Additive Principle
When a smaller symbol appears after a larger symbol, you add their values together.
Examples:
- VI = V (5) + I (1) = 6
- XII = X (10) + I (1) + I (1) = 12
- LXX = L (50) + X (10) + X (10) = 70
- MD = M (1000) + D (500) = 1,500
Rule 2: Subtractive Principle
When a smaller symbol appears before a larger symbol, you subtract the smaller value from the larger one. This rule only applies to specific pairs: IV, IX, XL, XC, CD, and CM.
Examples:
- IV = V (5) - I (1) = 4
- IX = X (10) - I (1) = 9
- XL = L (50) - X (10) = 40
- XC = C (100) - X (10) = 90
- CD = D (500) - C (100) = 400
- CM = M (1000) - C (100) = 900
Rule 3: No More Than Three Repetitions
The same symbol cannot be repeated more than three times in a row. Use the subtractive principle instead.
Correct vs. Incorrect:
- โ IIII (4) is wrong โ Use IV instead
- โ XXXX (40) is wrong โ Use XL instead
- โ III (3) is correct - three is the maximum
Rule 4: Read from Left to Right
Always read Roman numerals from left to right, applying the additive or subtractive rules as you go.
Example: MCMXCIV (1994)
- M = 1,000
- CM = 1,000 - 100 = 900
- XC = 100 - 10 = 90
- IV = 5 - 1 = 4
- Total: 1,000 + 900 + 90 + 4 = 1,994
How to Convert Numbers to Roman Numerals
Follow these steps to convert any number from 1 to 3,999 into Roman numerals:
- Step 1:Start with the largest Roman numeral value (M = 1,000) and work your way down.
- Step 2:For each value, determine how many times it fits into your number.
- Step 3:Write the corresponding Roman symbol(s) and subtract that value from your number.
- Step 4:Repeat with the next largest value until you reach zero.
Example: Converting 2,024 to Roman Numerals
Result: MMXXIV = 2,024
How to Convert Roman Numerals to Numbers
To convert Roman numerals back to numbers, read from right to left and apply the rules:
Example: Converting XLII to a Number
Reading from right to left:
Calculation: (50 - 10) + 1 + 1 = 42
Common Roman Numeral Values
| Number | Roman Numeral |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | I, II, III |
| 4 | IV |
| 5-8 | V, VI, VII, VIII |
| 9 | IX |
| 10, 20, 30 | X, XX, XXX |
| 40, 50, 60 | XL, L, LX |
| 90, 100 | XC, C |
| 400, 500 | CD, D |
| 900, 1,000 | CM, M |
| 2,024 | MMXXIV |
| 3,999 | MMMCMXCIX |
Modern Uses of Roman Numerals
While Arabic numerals (0-9) are used for most calculations today, Roman numerals still appear in many places:
- Clock faces: Many analog clocks use Roman numerals (I-XII) for the hours
- Book chapters: Chapter numbers in books, especially in academic and classical literature
- Movie copyrights: Copyright dates in film credits (e.g., "MMXXIV" for 2024)
- Monarchs and popes: Sequential numbering (e.g., King Henry VIII, Pope John Paul II)
- Building cornerstones: Construction dates on buildings and monuments
- Sporting events: Super Bowl numbers (Super Bowl LVIII), Olympic Games (Games of the XXXII Olympiad)
- Outlines: Numbering systems in documents and presentations
Tips for Using This Converter
- โNumber to Roman: Enter any number from 1 to 3,999. The converter will show you the Roman numeral and a step-by-step breakdown.
- โRoman to Number: Type or paste Roman numerals (uppercase or lowercase). The converter automatically converts them to numbers.
- โCopy Results: Use the "Copy Result" button to quickly copy the converted value to your clipboard.
- โBreakdown Table: When converting numbers to Roman numerals, view the breakdown to understand how each symbol contributes to the total.
Whether you're working on a history project, reading classical literature, or simply curious about this ancient numbering system, our Roman numeral converter makes it easy to work with these timeless symbols. Practice converting numbers to improve your understanding, and use the breakdown feature to learn the conversion process step by step.