# Roman Numeral Converter

> Free Roman numeral converter. Turn numbers 1 to 3999 into Roman numerals and back, see the step-by-step breakdown, and convert dates for tattoos and engravings.

Type a number to get its Roman numeral, or type a Roman numeral to read it. The converter shows how each symbol adds up and also formats a full date, which is handy for tattoos, wedding engravings and cornerstones.

*Interactive tool: enter your values at https://toollantern.win/roman-numeral-converter/ and results update instantly in your browser.*

## The seven Roman symbols

## The rules

- **Add** symbols from largest to smallest: VIII = 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8.

- **Subtract** when a smaller symbol sits before a larger one, using only six pairs: IV (4), IX (9), XL (40), XC (90), CD (400), CM (900).

- **Repeat** I, X, C and M at most three times in a row. V, L and D never repeat.

## Worked example

**1994** = 1000 + 900 + 90 + 4 = M + CM + XC + IV = **MCMXCIV**. Reading it back, split the numeral into those chunks and add them.

**2026** = 2000 + 20 + 6 = MM + XX + VI = **MMXXVI**.

## Why 3999 is the limit

Standard Roman numerals have no symbol above M (1000), and M may only repeat three times, so MMMCMXCIX (3999) is the largest number they can write. Larger values historically used a bar over a numeral (vinculum) to multiply it by 1000, but that notation was never standardized. There is also no Roman symbol for zero.

## Dates in Roman numerals

For a date, each part is converted separately and joined with dots: 9 October 2026 becomes IX.X.MMXXVI in day-month-year order, or X.IX.MMXXVI in the US month-day-year order. Double-check the order before you commit it to ink.

## Frequently asked questions
### What is 2026 in Roman numerals?

MMXXVI: MM (2000) + XX (20) + VI (6).

### Why is 4 written IV and not IIII?

Standard Roman numerals use subtraction for 4 and 9 at each level: IV, IX, XL, XC, CD, CM. IIII does appear on some clock faces by tradition, but IV is the standard form.

### What is the largest Roman numeral?

With standard symbols it is MMMCMXCIX, which is 3999. Bigger numbers needed extra notation, such as a bar over a numeral to multiply it by 1000.

### Is there a Roman numeral for zero?

No. The Roman system had no symbol for zero. Medieval scholars sometimes wrote N (for nulla) in tables, but it was never part of the numeral system.

### How do I write a date in Roman numerals for a tattoo?

Convert the day, month and year separately and separate them with dots, in the order you normally use. 9 October 2026 is IX.X.MMXXVI (day first) or X.IX.MMXXVI (month first).

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Interactive version: https://toollantern.win/roman-numeral-converter/