Roman numerals show up everywhere — clocks, movie credits, book chapters, Super Bowls, and especially tattoos and jewelry that mark a special date. They look intimidating, but the whole system runs on just seven letters and a handful of rules. This guide explains how Roman numerals work, gives you a full chart, and shows how to convert numbers and dates. For instant, rule-checked results, use our free Roman Numeral Converter.

The Seven Roman Numeral Symbols

Every Roman numeral is built from these seven letters:

I = 1 · V = 5 · X = 10 · L = 50 · C = 100 · D = 500 · M = 1000

Combine them, generally largest to smallest, left to right, and you can write any number from 1 to 3,999.

The Rules of Roman Numerals

• Add when a symbol is followed by one of equal or smaller value: VI = 6, XV = 15, MMXV = 2015.
• Subtract when a smaller symbol comes before a larger one: IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90, CD = 400, CM = 900.
• Never repeat a symbol more than three times — that’s why 4 is IV, not IIII, and 90 is XC, not LXXXX.
• Only I, X, C and M repeat; V, L and D never do.

How to Convert a Number to Roman Numerals

Split the number into thousands, hundreds, tens, and units, convert each, then join them:

1984 → 1000 + 900 + 80 + 4 → M + CM + LXXX + IV → MCMLXXXIV.
2026 → 2000 + 20 + 6 → MM + XX + VI → MMXXVI.

How to Convert Roman Numerals to a Number

Read left to right, adding values, but subtract whenever a smaller symbol precedes a larger one:

MCMLXXXIV → M(1000) + CM(900) + LXXX(80) + IV(4) = 1984.
CDXLIV → CD(400) + XL(40) + IV(4) = 444.

Roman Numeral Chart

• 1 = I, 2 = II, 3 = III, 4 = IV, 5 = V
• 6 = VI, 7 = VII, 8 = VIII, 9 = IX, 10 = X
• 20 = XX, 30 = XXX, 40 = XL, 50 = L
• 60 = LX, 70 = LXX, 80 = LXXX, 90 = XC
• 100 = C, 500 = D, 1000 = M

How to Write a Date in Roman Numerals (Tattoos & Jewelry)

Convert the day, month, and year separately, then join them with a dot, dash, or space. There’s no single official order or separator — it’s a style choice. For example, 19 March 2026 can be written as:

• Day · Month · Year: XIX • III • MMXXVI
• Month · Day · Year: III • XIX • MMXXVI

The most common (and costly) tattoo mistake is incorrect subtractive notation — writing VIIII instead of IX, for instance. Always double-check with a validated converter before your appointment.

Popular Years in Roman Numerals

• 1990 = MCMXC
• 2000 = MM
• 2024 = MMXXIV
• 2025 = MMXXV
• 2026 = MMXXVI

Fun Facts About Roman Numerals

• No zero: the system predates the European use of zero, so there’s no symbol for it.
• Clocks use IIII: many clock faces show IIII instead of IV for visual balance with the VIII opposite.
• The limit is 3,999: beyond that, a bar (vinculum) over a numeral multiplied it by 1,000.