Roman Numeral Conversion Tool

Roman numerals are an ancient numerical system that uses a combination of seven Latin letters (I, V, X, L, C, D, and M).

In stark contrast, the modern Western number system, which is a game-changing advancement brought to Europe by Arabic scholars around the 10th century CE, is a positional base-10 system utilizing a crucial zero placeholder.^[1] [2] The classical Roman method is non-positional and relies heavily on additive aggregation (for example, VI=5+1=6).

To convert a Roman numeral to a standard number, we interpret its symbols from left to right: we either add the values or employ the more compact, modern subtractive notation (for example, IV instead of IIII for 4).

The classic Roman system peaks at 3,999, only reaching 3,999,999 through the use of the vinculum (an overline that acts as a ×1,000 multiplier). Try out the conversion tool below to translate your numbers between the different systems! 🧮

Roman Numeral Conversion Tool

Enter Indian (Arabic) Number or Roman Numeral:

Traditional (Subtractive; e.g., IV=4) Classical (Additive; e.g., IIII=4)

Insert x1000 Symbols (Vinculum):

Result:

*Conversion limit is 4,999,999 (M̅M̅M̅M̅C̅M̅X̅C̅I̅X̅CMXCIX in Traditional and M̅M̅M̅M̅D̅C̅C̅C̅C̅L̅X̅X̅X̅X̅V̅MMMMDCCCCLXXXXVIIII in Classical).

Numeral Comparson Charts

Roman Numeral Value Chart (Standard & Vinculum)
Roman Numeral	Modern Number
Base Numerals (1 - 1,000)
I	1
V	5
X	10
L	50
C	100
D	500
M	1,000
Vinculum Numerals (x1,000)
I̅	1,000
V̅	5,000
X̅	10,000
L̅	50,000
C̅	100,000
D̅	500,000
M̅	1,000,000

Traditional (Subtractive) vs. Classical (Additive) Roman Numerals
Value	Subtractive (Traditional)	Additive (Classical)
Base Numerals (1 - 1,000)
4	IV	IIII
9	IX	VIIII
40	XL	XXXX
90	XC	LXXXX
400	CD	CCCC
900	CM	DCCCC
Vinculum Numerals (x1,000)
4,000	I̅V̅	I̅I̅I̅I̅ or MMMM
9,000	I̅X̅	V̅MMMM
40,000	X̅L̅	X̅X̅X̅X̅
90,000	X̅C̅	L̅X̅X̅X̅X̅
400,000	C̅D̅	C̅C̅C̅C̅
900,000	C̅M̅	D̅C̅C̅C̅C̅
4,000,000	I̅V̅ [Nonstandard]	M̅M̅M̅M̅

For information other ciphers and topics:

• Pager Code Look Alike Cipher Tool: This is the full 26-letter system that uses visual tricks with numbers for every letter from the 1990's before texting. This cipher will translate messages into this OG secret messaging. [Try out this cipher tool on your own messages.]

• Beeper Codes: Need a super-fast message? These are simple, standardized three-digit messages used as quick status updates (e.g., 143 for "I love you"). [View the Beeper Code Dictionary] 

• The Spartan Secret: Encrypt Messages with the Scytale Cipher: Use one of the earliest codes to be employed in the World! [Scytale Cipher Tool]

Extraordinary isn't extra ordinary!

The word "extraordinary" is a fascinating example of how language can evolve, leading to curious terms that might seem illogical at first glance. When we break down "extraordinary" into its components, "extra" and "ordinary," it appears to suggest something that is extremely ordinary. However, the intended meaning of "extraordinary" is actually quite the opposite. It describes something exceptional or remarkable.^[1]  

As its own word, “extra” is an intensifier meaning “to a greater extent” or “especially”. But, as a prefix, “extra-“ means “beyond” or “outside”.  

This linguistic oddity raises an interesting question: Why do we say "extra" and "ordinary" together to convey the idea of something exceptional, instead of simply using the word "exceptional" itself?

One possible explanation lies in the evolution of language. English, like many languages, has absorbed and adapted words and phrases from various sources over time. The term "extraordinary" dates back to the 15th century, derived from Latin roots meaning "beyond" (extra) and "ordinary" (ordinarius). In this context, "ordinary" refers to the usual or expected state of affairs.^[2]

At the time of its origin, the term "extraordinary" likely served to emphasize the exceptional nature of something, emphasizing its deviation from the norm. Over time, as language evolved, the compound word "extraordinary" became firmly established in the English lexicon, retaining its original meaning despite its seemingly contradictory structure.

The continued use of "extraordinary" to mean exceptional may also be attributed to the richness and nuance of language. Words often carry connotations and shades of meaning that extend beyond their literal definitions. In this case, the juxtaposition of "extra" and "ordinary" in "extraordinary" may evoke a sense of something both beyond and outside the ordinary, emphasizing its exceptional nature in a way that "exceptional" alone might not.

Beyond Extraordinary

While "extraordinary" and "exceptional" are strong choices, our vocabulary offers a wealth of alternatives to describe the extraordinary:

Remarkable: This word emphasizes how something is worthy of notice and comment.

Stupendous: This choice conveys a sense of astonishment and wonder.

Phenomenal: This term implies something extraordinary and almost unbelievable.

Prodigious: This word suggests exceptional skill, talent, or achievement.

Astounding: This emphasizes how something leaves you speechless and amazed.

The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. So, next time you encounter something that transcends the ordinary, reach for the word that best captures its remarkable nature!

Pronunciation

Although "extraordinary" is a common word, it is still often mispronounced. It is not pronounced as "extra" and "ordinary", as that implies something that is very ordinary, as noted previously.  Instead, the "a" is silent.  Weirdly, you also need to break up the "k" and "s" sounds from "x" between two syllables, as in ik·stror·duh·neh·ree, or /ɪkˈstrɔːr.dən.er.i/ in international terms, with some minor localized variations.^[3] In particular, the "stror" or "strɔ" syllable might be difficult for nonnative English speakers, with its two separate "r" sounds.

Usage

According to Google Ngram, it appears that usage of "extraordinary" has been in a steady decline in written works over the past 200 hundred years.^[4]  I cannot find any information as to why.  My guess is that we are living in a world that requires increasing precision. "Extraordinary" maybe used in a manner that is not conducive to express such precision. There are plenty of other words which can be used interchangeably.  In a gradient system (such as couple-several-few), could one really say that "remarkable" or "exceptional" are on high or lower tiers from "extraordinary" or each other?  (There have been attempts at order, for example.)

However, I was able to dig up one op-ed that actually claims the word "extraordinary" is in a state of overuse. I find that opinion to be extraordinary.

The Case for Words with Diaeresis

Double-Dotting Your ï's and ü's 

Some vowels in English include tiny dots above them. These are diaeresis marks. Think of the words "naïve" or "Noël". While these dotted vowels might seem like a typographical relic, they hold a unique position in English. The diaeresis is the only true diacritical mark used in the language. Diacritical marks are those little additions to letters that alter pronunciation or meaning, like the accent marks in French or the cedilla in "ça."

Diaeresis Disappearance in English

In the past, words with diaeresis were more common. However, their use in English has declined for a few reasons. One factor is simplification. As English spelling evolved, some words adopted alternative spellings without diaeresis. For example, "coöperate" became "cooperate".

Another reason is the influence of American English. American dictionaries generally favor spellings that omit the diaeresis, and this preference has filtered into broader usage.

However, words with diaeresis haven't completely disappeared from English. They are still used in some proper names, like Zoë (pronounced "zo-ee"), and certain loanwords, like naïve or aïoli (a type of sauce). Additionally, some writers and publications choose to use them for added clarity, especially when the pronunciation might be ambiguous.

A Brighter Future for Diaeresis?

The Information Age has made including diaeresis in writing significantly easier than ever before. Gone are the days of struggling with physical limitations of a typewriter.  Modern wordprocessors apps and smartphones offer easy insertion of these characters.

This newfound ease of use could potentially lead to a resurgence of words with diaeresis, particularly in situations where pronunciation clarity is important.

How to Use Diaeresis on Your Devices

Including diaeresis in your digital communication is a breeze! Here's how:

• PCs:

  • Microsoft Word: The most common way to add diaeresis in MS Word is by using a keyboard shortcut:

    1. Place your cursor where you want to insert the vowel with a diaeresis.
    2. Hold down the Ctrl + Shift keys simultaneously.
    3. While holding those keys down, press the colon ":" key.
    4. Release all three keys (Ctrl, Shift, and colon).
    5. Then, type the desired vowel (e.g., "a" for ä).

  The vowel with the diaeresis will appear in your document. This method works for all vowels that can have a diaeresis (a, e, i, o, and u).

  • WordPerfect: In WordPerfect, you can add diaeresis using a two-step process involving the "Symbols" dialog:

    1. Activate the Symbols function: Press Ctrl + W. This activates the "Symbols" dialog, which allows you to create special characters using key combinations.

    2. Insert the vowel with diaeresis: When Symbols dialog pops up, press the desired vowel key, then add the double quote ("), and press ENTER.

  The vowel with the diaeresis will appear in your document.  This method works for all vowels that can have a diaeresis (a, e, i, o, and u).

• Wordprocessor alternative: You can also just include several replacement words in your Wordprocessor apps, so when you type without the diaeresis, the spelling correction will automatically correct it to use the diaeresis. (Basic instructions on how to use Autocorrect in MS Word; and QuickCorrect in WordPerfect.)

• Smartphones and Tablets: The process is even simpler on mobile devices. When the keyboard is shown, simply press and hold on the desired vowel key. A pop-up menu will appear with diacritical options, including the vowel with diaeresis.  Select the vowel with the diaeresis mark, and it is inserted into your text.

Applications on MACs also have methods with a number of keystrokes too.

By familiarizing yourself with these methods, you can incorporate diaeresis vowels seamlessly into your digital communication, adding a touch of precision and clarity to your writing.

Ideas

Have fun using them!  Some words you may consider their inclusion are coöperate, coördinate, coördinator, coördination, fluënt, priörity, reënter, reïnvigorate, reënactment, reëmburse, reëlect, coöccur, reëquip, naïf, reëntry.  There's many more too!