Roman numerals are the symbols used in a system of numerical notation based on the ancient Roman system. The symbols are I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, standing respectively for 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000. It is useful to learn the conversion technique between roman numerals and numbers or vice versa. In this article we will show you how to convert roman numerals to numbers like XXV number easily and quickly.
Use of roman numerals
As per Wikipedia article on Roman Numerals, Movements are often numbered using Roman numerals. In Roman numeral analysis, harmonic function is identified using Roman numerals. Individual strings of stringed instruments, such as the violin, are often denoted by Roman numerals, with higher numbers denoting lower strings.
Understanding Roman Numerals
Roman numerals can be represented by combinations of letters. Refer the examples below to understand the numbering system more easily,
- I = 1
- V = 5
- X = 10
- L = 50
- C = 100
- D = 500
- M = 1000
Simply write as many characters that match to the value you wish to represent to form a number.
- 6 = VI
- 25 = XXV
- 128 = CXXVIII
When you advance to a new level, you must employ a particular notation. Example, In the case of 4, you could write IIII, but III is confusing. Therefore, the best representation is IV, which is equal to 5 minus 1. Additional instances of subtractive notation can be understood better with examples below;
- 9 = IX
- 40 = XL
- 90 = XC
- 99 = XCIX
Use of Roman numerals
After understanding how to write and read the Roman Numerals, let us get into the basic understanding on where is it actually used today. It is not a everyday numbering system, however roman numerals are still used in certain situations, like;
- Books’ Chapter Numbers,
- Year of a documentary on film or television,
- Memorial Inscriptions, like the book on the Statue of Liberty,
- Also, Essential texts, such as the constitution of the country, legal notifications etc.
Convert numbers to Roman numerals
Firstly, The function ROMAN in Excel makes it simple to convert any number to Roman numerals.
=Roman(Number)
Also, the roman numerals are written in the “Georgia” font.
Convert roman numerals to numbers
Now, since Excel 2013, you can also use the ARABIC function to convert roman numerals to numbers.
=ARABIC(Roman numerals)
Conclusion
Thus, with the help of this short tutorial blog – we have understood how to convert roman numerals into general numbers and vice versa. There is coverage of two formulae in this post, namely, ROMAN and ARABIC in Microsoft Excel.
