Roman numeral symbols
| Symbol | Value | Subtractive pair | Value |
|---|
| I | 1 | IV | 4 |
| V | 5 | IX | 9 |
| X | 10 | XL | 40 |
| L | 50 | XC | 90 |
| C | 100 | CD | 400 |
| D | 500 | CM | 900 |
| M | 1,000 | | |
The rules
- Write the largest values first and add them up: XVI = 10 + 5 + 1 = 16.
- A smaller numeral before a larger one is subtracted: IX = 10 − 1 = 9.
- Only I, X and C are used to subtract, and only from the next two larger symbols (I from V and X, X from L and C, C from D and M).
- The same symbol is not repeated more than three times in a row: 40 is XL, not XXXX.
Worked example: 1994
Break the number into thousands, hundreds, tens and ones: 1000 + 900 + 90 + 4 = M + CM + XC + IV = MCMXCIV.
Where you will see Roman numerals
- Clock and watch faces
- Movie and TV copyright years
- Names of monarchs and popes, like Elizabeth II
- Book chapters, outlines and page numbers in front matter
- Major sporting events like the Super Bowl
Last reviewed October 2026.
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. Add the values from left to right, but when a smaller numeral comes before a larger one, subtract it. So VI is 6, but IV is 4.
What is the largest number in standard Roman numerals?
Standard Roman numerals go up to 3,999, written MMMCMXCIX. Larger numbers historically used a bar over a numeral to multiply it by 1,000, which is not supported in plain text.
Is there a Roman numeral for zero?
No. The Roman system had no symbol for zero. Medieval writers sometimes used the word "nulla" (none) instead.
Why is IIII sometimes used instead of IV?
Many clock faces show 4 as IIII for tradition and visual balance. In standard modern usage, 4 is written IV, and this converter only accepts the standard forms.
How do I write a year like 2026?
2026 is MMXXVI: MM = 2000, XX = 20 and VI = 6. Movie credits, building cornerstones and the Super Bowl often use Roman numeral years.