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Convert between Roman numerals and Arabic numbers (1-3999). Perfect for historical dates, education, and classical references.
| Symbol | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | One |
| V | 5 | Five |
| X | 10 | Ten |
| L | 50 | Fifty |
| C | 100 | One hundred |
| D | 500 | Five hundred |
| M | 1000 | One thousand |
| Arabic | Roman |
|---|---|
| 1 | I |
| 4 | IV |
| 5 | V |
| 9 | IX |
| 10 | X |
| 40 | XL |
| 50 | L |
| 90 | XC |
| 100 | C |
| 400 | CD |
| 500 | D |
| 900 | CM |
| 1000 | M |
| 1984 | MCMLXXXIV |
| 2024 | MMXXIV |
| 3999 | MMMCMXCIX |
Roman numerals are an ancient number system developed in Rome, using combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet (I, V, X, L, C, D, M). Unlike our modern decimal system, Roman numerals use additive and subtractive notation to represent numbers.
Roman numerals follow these key rules:
Example: Convert 1994 to Roman numerals
1000 = M
900 = CM (1000 - 100)
90 = XC (100 - 10)
4 = IV (5 - 1)
Result: MCMXCIV
Roman numerals were developed before the concept of zero as a number was introduced to Europe. The Romans used the word "nulla" (meaning "nothing") but had no symbol for zero. This limitation made complex mathematics difficult with Roman numerals.
The standard Roman numeral system can represent numbers up to 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). For larger numbers, the Romans used a bar over a numeral to multiply it by 1,000, but this notation is rarely used today and varies by convention.
Both IV and IIII are historically acceptable for 4. Many traditional clock faces use IIII for aesthetic symmetry with VIII (8) on the opposite side. This also creates visual balance with the III on one side and VIII on the other. Some historians suggest IIII was used to avoid confusion with IV (which could be read as the beginning of "IVPITER" - Jupiter).
The Romans had separate symbols for common fractions (S for 1/2, called semis), but these are rarely used today. Modern practice typically converts fractions to decimals or uses Arabic numerals for fractional parts. Roman numerals are designed primarily for whole numbers.
Roman numerals persist for tradition, formality, and aesthetics. They add gravitas to monuments, official documents, and formal events. They're also useful for creating visual distinction from regular numbers in outlines, lists, and time periods. Despite being less practical for calculation, their cultural significance ensures their continued use.