The seven Roman numerals
| Symbol | Value |
|---|---|
| I | 1 |
| V | 5 |
| X | 10 |
| L | 50 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 500 |
| M | 1000 |
How to read and write them
Write numerals from largest to smallest and add the values: MMXV = 1000 + 1000 + 10 + 5 = 2015. The subtractive rule keeps things short — a smaller symbol before a larger one is subtracted:
- IV = 4 (5 − 1), IX = 9 (10 − 1)
- XL = 40, XC = 90
- CD = 400, CM = 900
So 2024 breaks into 2000 (MM) + 20 (XX) + 4 (IV) = MMXXIV. The converter shows this breakdown for any value you enter.
Range and zero
This tool covers 1 to 3999 (MMMCMXCIX), the practical limit of the standard symbols. There is no Roman numeral for zero, and larger numbers need an overbar notation that multiplies a letter by 1,000.
Frequently asked questions
How do Roman numerals work?
Roman numerals use seven letters — I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000). You build a number by adding these from largest to smallest, with a subtractive rule: a smaller letter before a larger one is subtracted, so IV is 4 and IX is 9.
What is the largest number in Roman numerals?
Using the standard letters, the largest value normally written is 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). There is no symbol for zero, and numbers above 3,999 require a bar over letters to multiply them by 1,000 — a notation this converter does not use, so it covers 1 to 3999.
Why is 4 written as IV and not IIII?
The subtractive rule keeps numerals short: instead of repeating a letter four times, you place a smaller letter before a larger one to subtract. So 4 is IV (5 − 1) and 9 is IX (10 − 1). The same applies to 40 (XL), 90 (XC), 400 (CD), and 900 (CM).
How do I write a year in Roman numerals?
Break the year into thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones and convert each part. For 2024: 2000 is MM, 20 is XX, and 4 is IV, giving MMXXIV. Type any year into the converter to see it built up the same way.
Is there a Roman numeral for zero?
No. The Roman system has no symbol for zero — it was designed for counting, not place-value arithmetic. The concept of zero as a number came later from Indian and Arabic mathematics.
Disclaimer: Conversions follow standard modern Roman numeral rules for values 1–3999. Provided for educational and reference purposes.