Roman Numeral Converter
Convert numbers to Roman numerals and vice versa in real time. Handles standard Roman numerals up to 3999.
- Classical Romans had no symbol for zero; modern usage often uses “nulla” for 0.
- Negative numbers cannot be represented in Roman numerals.
- The largest number in standard Roman numerals is 3999 (MMMCMXCIX).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Roman numerals?
Roman numerals are a numeral system that originated in ancient Rome and remained the usual way of writing numbers throughout Europe well into the Late Middle Ages. Numbers are represented by combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet (I, V, X, L, C, D, M).
How do you read Roman numerals?
Roman numerals are read from left to right. Generally, values are added. If a symbol of smaller value precedes a symbol of larger value, the smaller value is subtracted from the larger (e.g., IV = 4, IX = 9). Otherwise, values are added (e.g., VI = 6, XI = 11).
Is there a Roman numeral for zero?
The classical Roman numeral system did not have a symbol for zero. The concept of zero as a number was developed later in other cultures. Sometimes 'nulla' (Latin for 'none') is used in modern contexts to represent zero.
What is the largest number in Roman numerals?
Using standard notation, the largest number typically representable is 3999 (MMMCMXCIX). Larger numbers could be formed using a vinculum (an overline), which multiplied the value by 1000, but this is not universally standardized for very large numbers.
Where are Roman numerals used today?
Roman numerals are still used for numbered lists or outlines, clock faces, names of monarchs and popes (e.g., Queen Elizabeth II), in movie credits for release years, Super Bowl numbering, and chapter headings in books.