Roman Numeral Date Converter

How to Read and Write Roman Numerals

Roman numerals were the standard numbering system used throughout the Roman Empire. Today, they still appear on clock faces, in book chapters, for movie sequels, at the Super Bowl, and on monuments and buildings. The system is based on seven letters from the Latin alphabet, each assigned a fixed value.

The 5 Rules of Roman Numerals

1. Addition rule: When a smaller numeral appears after a larger one, you add the values together. For example, VI = 5 1 = 6 and XII = 10 1 1 = 12.
2. Subtraction rule: When a smaller numeral appears before a larger one, you subtract the smaller from the larger. For example, IV = 5 − 1 = 4 and XC = 100 − 10 = 90.
3. Repetition rule: A numeral can be repeated up to three times in a row to represent addition. For example, III = 3 and XXX = 30. However, V, L, and D are never repeated.
4. Subtraction pairs: Only I, X, and C can be used as subtractive numerals. I can precede V and X. X can precede L and C. C can precede D and M. For example, IX = 9, XL = 40, CD = 400.
5. Left to right: Roman numerals are read from left to right, with the largest values appearing first (except for subtractive pairs). For example, MCMLXXXIV = 1984.

Roman Numerals Chart (1 to 100)

Below is a complete reference chart showing the Roman numeral equivalent for every number from 1 to 100.

Common Years in Roman Numerals

Here are recent and upcoming years written in Roman numerals — commonly searched for tattoos, engravings, and Roman numeral jewelry.

Roman Numeral Conversion Examples

Here are step-by-step examples of how to convert numbers to and from Roman numerals.

Converting a Number to Roman Numerals

Converting Roman Numerals to a Number

Converting a Date to Roman Numerals

Where Are Roman Numerals Used Today?

Although Arabic numerals replaced Roman numerals for everyday math centuries ago, Roman numerals still appear in many places:

• Clock and watch faces — Many analog clocks use Roman numerals (with IIII often used instead of IV).
• Jewelry and tattoos — Roman numeral necklaces, bracelets, and rings are a popular way to commemorate a meaningful date like an anniversary, birthday, or wedding date.
• Buildings and monuments — Cornerstones and facades often display the year of construction in Roman numerals.
• Movie sequels and events — Film franchises (Rocky II, Star Wars Episode IV) and events like the Super Bowl (Super Bowl LVIII) use Roman numerals.
• Book chapters and outlines — Roman numerals are commonly used for chapter numbering, preface pages, and formal outlines.
• Royal and papal names — Monarchs and popes use Roman numerals (Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II).

Frequently Asked Questions

Wear Your Special Date

Turn a meaningful date into a beautiful piece of personalized jewelry. Our Roman numeral necklaces, bracelets, and rings make the perfect anniversary or birthday gift.