Roman Numeral Converter

Convert between a number (1-3999) and a Roman numeral in either direction with instant detection and a panel showing each symbol used.

All calculations happen locally in your browser. Nothing leaves your device.

Roman numeral
—

Symbol breakdown

Every number from 1 to 3999 breaks down uniquely into these blocks.

How It Works

Type either a number (1–3999) or a Roman numeral (M, D, C, L, X, V, I in any case) and the converter detects what you are typing, then shows the other representation instantly. Below the main result, a breakdown panel shows exactly how many of each building block — M, CM, D, CD, C, XC, L, X, IX, V, IV, I — make up your number, because every number in the classic range has one and only one such decomposition.

Number → Roman
The number is greedily decomposed: take the largest symbol that fits, subtract it, repeat. 2024 becomes M + M + XX + IV → MMXXIV. The same greedy pass produces the breakdown panel, so both outputs always agree.
Roman → Number
Each character is mapped to its value and the total is summed — with one rule: a character worth less than the one after it is subtracted instead of added. IV is 5 − 1 = 4, while VI is 5 + 1 = 6.
The classic range
Standard Roman numerals (without the overline notation) only go to 3999 (MMMCMXCIX). Beyond that you would need the bar-over-numeral convention (5000 and up), which this tool intentionally leaves out — 3999 covers clocks, chapters, olympics and movie sequels in practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the tool stop at 3999?

Standard Roman numerals have no single representation for zero and use an overline (or a 5000-letter bar) for numbers above 3999. This tool covers the classic range 1–3999, which is exactly what every school exam, clock face and chapter numbering uses.

How do subtractive notations like IV and IX work?

When a smaller symbol is placed before a larger one, it is subtracted: IV = 5 − 1 = 4, IX = 10 − 1 = 9, XL = 50 − 10 = 40, XC = 100 − 10 = 90, CD = 500 − 100 = 400, CM = 1000 − 100 = 900. The converter expands your number into the largest symbols first and uses these pairs wherever they are shorter.

How does the symbol breakdown work?

Every number from 1 to 3999 decomposes uniquely into the seven building blocks M (1000), CM (900), D (500), CD (400), C (100), XC (90), L (50), X (10), IX (9), V (5), IV (4) and I (1). The panel shows how many of each block your number uses, e.g. 1994 = M + CM + XC + IV.

Can I convert from Roman numerals to numbers?

Yes — the converter is two-way. Type digits and you get Roman numerals; type Roman characters (M, D, C, L, X, V, I, in any case) and you get the number back. The input is detected automatically as you type.

Is anything uploaded to a server?

No. The whole tool is a few lines of vanilla JavaScript running in your browser. Your input never leaves your device, and there is no account, no tracking and no network request attached to a conversion.