Convert 2,026
2,026 = MMXXVI
Use two thousands, two tens, a five, and a one: M + M + X + X + V + I. Their values sum to 2,026, with no subtractive pairs.
Number notation
Roman Numeral Converter
Convert between whole numbers and Roman numerals, with a breakdown of each symbol or subtractive pair.
Choose a conversion direction and enter a value
Roman numeral
Enter a whole number, then select Convert.
- Equivalent values
- Numeral groups
- Group values
Exact conversion using modern subtractive notation. No rounding is needed.
View each group
For positive whole numbers from 1 to 3,999. Zero, negative numbers, fractions, overline notation, and historical variants are outside this tool’s scope.
Worked examples
Convert 49
49 = XLIX
Split 49 into 40 + 9. XL means 50 − 10, and IX means 10 − 1. This converter requires XLIX; IL skips a place and is rejected under its chosen rules.
Decode CDXLIV
CD + XL + IV = 444
Read 500 − 100, then 50 − 10, then 5 − 1. The three group values are 400, 40, and 4. Add them to get 444.
Symbols and conversion rules
The seven letters have fixed values: I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, and M = 1,000. The supported subtraction pairs are IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90, CD = 400, and CM = 900. Groups appear from largest to smallest. I, X, C, and M may repeat up to three times in a row; V, L, and D do not repeat. A Roman numeral case study hosted by Portland State University explains these modern rules.
To encode a number, repeatedly take the largest supported group that fits the remainder. For 1,994, take M (1,000), CM (900), XC (90), and IV (4). Reading the groups gives MCMXCIV. To decode a numeral, this tool evaluates its symbols and then converts the value back to Roman notation. It accepts the input only if the uppercase spelling matches that canonical result.
These are the converter’s rules, not a claim that all Roman inscriptions used one system. The University of Illinois Latin textbook discusses variations such as IV and IIII in inscriptions. The Seiko Museum describes IIII on clock dials. A numeral rejected here may therefore reflect a different historical or decorative convention.
The range ends at 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). This tool does not interpret overlines or other extensions for larger values. Decimal inputs allow at most four digits, counting leading zeros. Each active input allows at most 64 raw characters including surrounding whitespace. Only the selected direction’s input is used.
Common questions
Why does IIII fail when I have seen it on clocks?
IIII is used on some clock faces and in historical writing. This converter deliberately uses the modern subtractive spelling IV. It checks that convention consistently rather than attempting to interpret every historical variation.
Can I enter lowercase Roman numerals?
Yes. For example, mcmxciv gives 1,994, and the result shows MCMXCIV. Surrounding spaces are ignored, but spaces between letters are not. Type ordinary Latin letters; special Unicode numeral characters such as Ⅳ are not accepted.
Why are IL, IC, and VX rejected?
The supported subtraction pairs are IV, IX, XL, XC, CD, and CM. Write 49 as XLIX, 99 as XCIX, and 5 as V. A small letter before a larger one is not sufficient on its own to make a valid numeral under these rules.
Can this convert zero, decimals, or large numbers?
No. Enter an unsigned whole number from 1 to 3,999. Decimal spellings such as 4.0, fractions, negative values, exponents, and overlines are rejected. The upper limit is a scope choice for this converter; it does not mean larger historical representations never existed.
Can I calculate with Roman numeral expressions?
This tool converts a single value in either direction. It does not evaluate expressions such as X + V. Convert the individual values and use the Standard Calculator for arithmetic.