Roman Numerals
Convert numbers to and from Roman numerals
Where do Roman numerals come from?
It is thought Roman numerals come from hand signals and tally marks. The stroke I represents a finger, the V represents the gap between thumb and fingers for five, and the X represents hands crossed for ten. The L, C, D, and M come from modifications of Greek letters like chi, theta, and phi to represent 50, 100, 500, and 1,000. Over time, these marks changed into the Latin letters people recognize today. There is no 0 in the Roman alphabet, as the concept for the number 0 didn't fully develop until India invented it around 600 CE / 10600 HE.
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A Complete Guide to Roman Numerals
Everything you need to know about Roman numerals: the seven symbols, four rules, conversion methods, charts, and where you still see them today.
Why Are Roman Numerals Still Popular in the 21st Century?
From clock faces to tattoos to Super Bowl logos: why a 2,000-year-old number system refuses to die in the age of smartphones.
Super Bowl & Roman Numerals: Gladiators, Marketing, and the Letter L
Why the NFL numbers its biggest game like a Roman gladiator match. The one year they stopped, and what Super Bowl XIII tells us about superstition.
The Case for Roman Numerals in the 21st Century
Roman numerals are terrible for math. But for hierarchy, permanence, and visual distinction, they might be the best tool we have.
Why the World Uses 1, 2, 3 Instead of I, II, III
How Hindu-Arabic numerals replaced Roman numerals, why Florence banned the new numbers, and what Fibonacci had to do with it.
The History of Roman Numerals: They Are Not Actually Roman
From Etruscan tally marks to empire-wide accounting to decorative art. How seven impractical letters outlived the civilization that made them famous.
How Do Roman Numerals Work? A Complete Guide
Learn how the Roman numeral system works, from basic symbols to complex conversions. Complete guide with examples, rules, and history.
Roman Numeral Tattoo Ideas: Dates, Numbers & Design Inspiration
Find the perfect Roman numeral tattoo design. Convert dates to Roman numerals, explore placement ideas, font styles, and avoid common mistakes.
Super Bowl Roman Numerals: Complete List From I to Today
Complete list of every Super Bowl in Roman numerals from I to today. Learn why the NFL uses Roman numerals and the one time they didn't.
Why Do Clocks Use IIII Instead of IV?
Discover why most clock faces display IIII instead of IV for the number 4. Explore the theories behind this centuries-old clockmaking tradition.
Roman Numerals Chart: 1 to 1000 Complete Reference
Complete Roman numerals chart from 1 to 1000. Printable reference tables for 1-20, tens, hundreds, and key milestone numbers.
Roman Numerals in Movies, Games & Pop Culture
Why movie sequels and video games use Roman numerals. Famous examples from Star Wars to Final Fantasy, and the tradition of copyright years in credits.
The History of Roman Numerals: From Ancient Rome to Today
Trace the full history of Roman numerals from Etruscan tally marks through the Roman Empire to their survival in modern usage.
How do Roman Numerals work?
Roman numerals are a number system from ancient Rome using combinations of letters: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M.
| Symbol | Value |
|---|---|
| I | 1 |
| V | 5 |
| X | 10 |
| L | 50 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 500 |
| M | 1000 |
- Seven symbols: I=1, V=5, X=10, L=50, C=100, D=500, M=1000
- Symbols are added left to right: VI = 5+1 = 6, XII = 10+1+1 = 12
- Subtractive notation: a smaller value before a larger one is subtracted: IV = 5−1 = 4, IX = 10−1 = 9
- Only I, X, and C can be subtracted, and only from their next two higher symbols: IV, IX, XL, XC, CD, CM