Return to Calendarena

Roman Numeral Converter: Numbers to Roman & Back

Have you ever come across a date in a movie credit, a chapter heading in a book, or a clock face and wondered what those letters mean? Our converter makes it easy to translate any number into Roman digits—and vice versa—in seconds.

Roman Numerals 1 to 100 Chart

To help you learn the patterns quickly, we’ve compiled a list of the most searched Roman numerals. Understanding 1 to 100 is the key to mastering the entire system.

Arabic Roman Arabic Roman Arabic Roman
1 I 11 XI 30 XXX
2 II 12 XII 40 XL
3 III 13 XIII 50 L
4 IV 14 XIV 60 LX
5 V 15 XV 70 LXX
6 VI 16 XVI 80 LXXX
7 VII 17 XVII 90 XC
8 VIII 18 XVIII 100 C
9 IX 19 XIX 500 D
10 X 20 XX 1000 M

How to Convert Numbers to Roman Numerals (Step-by-Step)

Converting numbers (technically called Arabic Numerals) to Roman letters follows a specific logic. Once you know the seven basic symbols, you can build almost any number.

The 7 Basic Symbols

  • I = 1
  • V = 5
  • X = 10
  • L = 50
  • C = 100
  • D = 500
  • M = 1,000

The Three Golden Rules

1. The Addition Rule

When a smaller symbol follows a larger one, you add them.
Example: VI (5 + 1) = 6.

2. The Subtraction Rule

When a smaller symbol appears before a larger one, you subtract the smaller from the larger.
Example: IV (5 - 1) = 4; XC (100 - 10) = 90.

3. The Three-Peat Rule

You should never use the same symbol more than three times in a row. For example, 4 is IV, not IIII.

Example Walkthrough: 1,994

To convert 1,994, break it down into its place values:

  • 1,000 = M
  • 900 = CM (1,000 minus 100)
  • 90 = XC (100 minus 10)
  • 4 = IV (5 minus 1)
  • Result: MCMXCIV

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is 4 in Roman numerals?

The Roman numeral for 4 is IV. While you might occasionally see "IIII" on old clock faces, "IV" is the standard subtractive form used globally.

What does the letter 'M' stand for?

In the Roman system, M stands for 1,000. It comes from the Latin word "mille," which is also the root of words like "millennium" and "kilometer."

How do you write 2025 in Roman numerals?

2025 is written as MMXXV (1000 + 1000 + 10 + 10 + 5).

What are Arabic Numerals?

"Arabic Numerals" refers to the standard digits we use today: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Most people search for "numbers to Roman," but they are actually converting from the Arabic system!

Why Use Our Roman Numeral Converter?

Writing out long dates or large numbers (like 3,888—MMMDCCCLXXXVIII) can be confusing and prone to errors. Our tool ensures:

  • Instant Accuracy: No more second-guessing the subtraction rule.
  • Large Range: Convert any number from 1 up to 3,999.
  • Dual Conversion: Use it as a Roman to Number translator or a Number to Roman generator.

Bookmark this page for your next history project, tattoo design, or classic movie marathon!