Converter Tool
Conversion Breakdown
How It Works
Roman numerals are based on seven distinct symbols. Each symbol represents a specific integer value:
| Symbol | Value |
|---|---|
| I | 1 |
| V | 5 |
| X | 10 |
| L | 50 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 500 |
| M | 1000 |
Numerals are generally constructed by writing symbols in descending order of value, from left to right. However, to avoid repeating a symbol four times in a row, a subtractive notation is used:
- I can be placed before V (5) and X (10) to make 4 (IV) and 9 (IX).
- X can be placed before L (50) and C (100) to make 40 (XL) and 90 (XC).
- C can be placed before D (500) and M (1000) to make 400 (CD) and 900 (CM).
Because the largest standard Roman numeral is M (1000) and symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, the largest number that can be formed using standard notation is 3999 (MMMCMXCIX).