Roman Numeral Converter
How to Read Roman Numerals
Roman numerals use seven letters that you add up from left to right, with a subtraction rule for a few pairs. Here's how to read them, and a converter to do it instantly.
Convert Roman numerals
The letters
| Letter | Value |
|---|---|
| I | 1 |
| V | 5 |
| X | 10 |
| L | 50 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 500 |
| M | 1000 |
Roman numeral values
The subtraction rule
Usually you add letters from largest to smallest: MMXXIV = 1000 + 1000 + 10 + 10 + 4 = 2024. When a smaller letter comes before a larger one, you subtract it: IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40.
A letter never repeats more than three times in a row, which is why 4 is IV rather than IIII.
Frequently asked questions
How do you read Roman numerals?
Add the letter values from left to right, but subtract when a smaller letter precedes a larger one (IV = 4, IX = 9).
What is MMXXIV?
2024 — that's 1000 + 1000 + 10 + 10 + 4.
Why isn't 4 written IIII?
A symbol can't repeat more than three times, so 4 uses the subtraction form IV.
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