How to Convert Roman Numerals

Roman numerals is a system of numbers which uses the letters of the alphabet.[1] It is still occasionally used today, especially when representing years.

Steps

  1. Image titled Convert Roman Numerals Step 1
    1
    Know which letters stand for which numbers.
    • I is 1, V is 5.
    • X is 10, L is 50.
    • C is 100, D is 500.
    • M is 1000.
  2. Image titled Convert Roman Numerals Step 2
    2
    Locate the largest symbol within the number. This should be either the first or the second symbol.
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  3. Image titled Convert Roman Numerals Step 3
    3
    If the largest symbol appears first, count how many times it appears in an uninterrupted row. This should be between one and three times. Multiply its value by the number of appearances and add this amount to the total.
  4. Image titled Convert Roman Numerals Step 4
    4
    If the largest symbol appears second, subtract the value of the symbol before it from its value. Add this amount to the total.
  5. Image titled Convert Roman Numerals Step 5
    5
    Repeat steps 2-4 with the numbers you have not yet accounted for.
  6. Image titled Convert Roman Numerals Step 6
    6
    Add up the values of each set of numbers to find the total value of the entire numeral.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I convert MIM?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    The first M means 1,000. IM means one less than 1,000. So MIM means 1,999.
  • Question
    How do I convert MCMLXXVI?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Work from left to right: M is 1,000. CM is 900. LXX is 70. VI is 6. That's 1,976.
  • Question
    How do I write 36 in roman numerals?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    XXXVI.
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References

  1. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_numerals

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 10 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 32,000 times.
24 votes - 78%
Co-authors: 10
Updated: October 13, 2021
Views: 32,000
Categories: Mathematics | Conversion Aids
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