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Roman Numeral Converter Convert between Arabic numbers and Roman numerals.

Roman Numeral Converter illustration
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Roman Numeral Converter

Convert between Arabic numbers and Roman numerals.

1

Choose Direction

Select Number → Roman or Roman → Number.

2

Enter Value

Enter numbers or Roman numerals, one per line.

3

Copy Converted Output

Copy the resulting Roman numerals or decimal numbers.

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What Is Roman Numeral Converter?

A Roman Numeral Converter is a tool that converts between Arabic numbers and roman numerals, allowing users to easily switch between the two formats. Developers and historians often use it to solve the specific problem of converting large sets of numbers to roman numerals for display or calculation purposes. For instance, when working with date representations or numerical data in historical texts, it is necessary to convert numbers to roman numerals.

The tool supports standard subtractive notation, such as IV for 4 and CM for 900, and can process multiple values at once, with each value on a new line. This feature makes it particularly useful for batch conversions. It also includes a direction toggle, allowing users to switch between converting numbers to roman numerals and vice versa.

What sets the Roman Numeral Converter apart is its ability to handle invalid inputs, such as non-integer values or malformed roman numerals, by returning an error message. Additionally, it uses a mapping of roman numeral symbols to their corresponding integer values, ensuring accurate conversions. When using the tool to convert roman numerals to numbers, it correctly handles cases where a smaller numeral appears before a larger one, such as IV for 4. Overall, it provides a reliable way to convert between arabic numbers and roman numerals, making it a useful resource for those who need to work with both formats.

Why Use Roman Numeral Converter?

  • Bidirectional conversion between Arabic and Roman numerals
  • Supports standard subtractive notation
  • Process multiple values at once
  • Useful for academic, historical, and decorative purposes

Common Use Cases

Education

Learn and verify Roman numeral conversions.

Document Formatting

Convert page numbers, chapters, or section numbers to Roman numerals.

Historical Research

Decode Roman numeral dates and historical references.

Design

Generate Roman numerals for clock faces, monuments, or decorative text.

Technical Guide

The converter uses a greedy algorithm for number to Roman conversion. A sorted table of value-symbol pairs (from 1000/M down to 1/I, including subtractive combinations like 900/CM, 400/CD, 90/XC, 40/XL, 9/IX, 4/IV) is iterated. For each pair, while the remaining number is greater than or equal to the value, the symbol is appended and the value subtracted. For Roman to number conversion, the string is scanned left to right. Each character's value is looked up. If a character's value is less than the next character's value, it is subtracted (subtractive notation); otherwise, it is added.

Tips & Best Practices

  • 1
    Valid range is 1 to 3999 (I to MMMCMXCIX)
  • 2
    Enter one value per line to convert multiple values
  • 3
    Roman to Number accepts both upper and lowercase input
  • 4
    Subtractive notation is used (IV instead of IIII)

Related Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is the largest number in Roman numerals?
3999 (MMMCMXCIX). Standard Roman numerals do not have a symbol for 5000 or above.
Q What is subtractive notation?
Placing a smaller value before a larger one indicates subtraction: IV=4, IX=9, XL=40, XC=90, CD=400, CM=900.
Q Is the input case-sensitive?
No, Roman numerals can be entered in uppercase or lowercase.
Q Does Roman numeral notation include zero?
No. Roman numerals have no symbol for zero. Only values 1-3999 are supported.
Q Can I convert negative numbers?
No, Roman numerals only represent positive integers from 1 to 3999.

About This Tool

Roman Numeral Converter is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.