Roman Numeral Converter

Convert numbers to Roman numerals and Roman numerals to numbers with this free Roman numeral converter.

Convert Roman Numerals

1987 = MCMLXXXVII
MCMLXXXVII = 1987
Your result will appear here.

How Roman numeral conversion works

Number to Roman:
Break the number into thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones, then match each place value to Roman numeral symbols.

Roman to Number:
Read symbols from left to right and add or subtract values based on Roman numeral rules.

Subtractive notation:
Smaller numerals before larger ones mean subtraction, like IV = 4.

Standard range:
Most Roman numeral converters use 1 to 3999.

Why Roman numerals matter

Roman numerals are still used in clocks, book chapters, movie titles, outlines, monuments, and formal numbering systems.

Understanding Roman numerals makes it easier to read dates, section labels, and traditional numbering formats.

What your result means

Your result shows the converted Roman numeral or standard number, along with supporting values and conversion steps.

This makes it easier to verify the result and understand how Roman numeral symbols combine.

Roman numeral converter tips

Frequently asked questions

What is IV in Roman numerals?

IV equals 4 because I before V means subtract 1 from 5.

What is IX in Roman numerals?

IX equals 9 because I before X means subtract 1 from 10.

What is the largest standard Roman numeral most converters use?

Most standard converters go up to 3999, written as MMMCMXCIX.

Can Roman numerals use zero?

No. Standard Roman numeral notation does not have a true zero symbol.