The seven Roman numerals
| Symbol | I | V | X | L | C | D | M |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | 1 | 5 | 10 | 50 | 100 | 500 | 1,000 |
The rules
- Symbols are written from largest to smallest and added: VIII = 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8.
- A smaller symbol before a larger one is subtracted, only in six pairs: IV (4), IX (9), XL (40), XC (90), CD (400) and CM (900).
- I, X, C and M can repeat up to three times in a row; V, L and D never repeat. So 4 is IV, not IIII (although many clock faces use IIII).
- The largest number with standard numerals is 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). A line over a numeral (vinculum) multiplies it by 1,000: V̅ = 5,000.
Years in Roman numerals
| Year | Roman | Year | Roman |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | MCMXC | 2020 | MMXX |
| 1999 | MCMXCIX | 2024 | MMXXIV |
| 2000 | MM | 2025 | MMXXV |
| 2010 | MMX | 2026 | MMXXVI |
Dates for tattoos and invitations
Roman numeral dates are popular for tattoos, wedding invitations and engravings. Choose the order (day-month-year as in Europe, or month-day-year as in the US) and the separator: dots (XXV.XII.MMXXVI), dashes, slashes or spaces. Double-check the order before getting a tattoo: 03.04 means 3 April in most countries but March 4 in the US.
Frequently asked questions
How do you write 2026 in Roman numerals?
2026 is MMXXVI: MM (2000) + XX (20) + VI (6).
What is 4 in Roman numerals: IV or IIII?
The standard form is IV. IIII appears on many clock faces for tradition and balance, but IV is correct elsewhere.
What is the largest Roman numeral?
With standard symbols, 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). Larger numbers use a line over a numeral to multiply it by 1,000.
Is there a zero in Roman numerals?
No. The Romans had no symbol for zero. Medieval writers sometimes used N (for nulla, “nothing”).
How do I write a date in Roman numerals?
Convert the day, month and year separately, then join them: 25 December 2026 is XXV.XII.MMXXVI.
Last updated October 2026 · More converters