Last updated: November 2, 2026
Get your date of birth in Roman numerals, formatted the way tattoo artists ink it. Enter your birthday below to see your numerals in three copy-ready styles, with a character-by-character breakdown you can show your artist before anything is permanent.
Get your birth date in Roman numerals, formatted the way tattoo artists ink it. Copy any style straight to your artist.
Roman Numeral Symbols
Roman numerals use seven basic symbols. Every date is built from these:
| Symbol | Value | Symbol | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | C | 100 |
| V | 5 | D | 500 |
| X | 10 | M | 1,000 |
| L | 50 |
How It Works: Worked Example
Let’s convert January 25, 1990 step by step. Each part of the date (day, month, year) is converted separately.
Day: 25
25 = 10 + 10 + 5 = X + X + V = XXV
Month: January (1)
1 = I
Year: 1990
1990 = 1000 + (1000 − 100) + (100 − 10)
= M + CM + XC = MCMXC
Full date: XXV · I · MCMXC
The subtractive rule is key: when a smaller value comes before a larger one, you subtract (IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90, CD = 400, CM = 900). Without it, 1990 would be the clumsy MDCCCCLXXXX.
Common Mistakes
IIII vs IV: Clock faces often use IIII for 4, but the correct subtractive form is IV. For birthday tattoos, use IV.
Converting the whole date as one number: Don’t try to convert 1/25/1990 as a single value. Convert day, month, and year separately, then join them with dots, slashes, or dashes.
Planning to get it inked? Read our Roman numeral tattoo guide for placement, sizing, and how to brief your artist. Learn the full conversion rules in how to write any birthday in Roman numerals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write my birthday in Roman numerals?
Convert each part separately: the day, the month, and the year. January 25, 1990 becomes XXV (25), I (1), MCMXC (1990), usually styled as XXV · I · MCMXC. The calculator above does it instantly.
What are the Roman numeral rules for dates?
Use standard subtractive notation: IV for 4, IX for 9, XL for 40, XC for 90, CD for 400, CM for 900. Never repeat a symbol more than three times in a row.
Which style do tattoo artists prefer?
Most artists ink dates with middle dots (XXV · I · MCMXC) or slashes (XXV/I/MCMXC). Bring all three styles to your consultation and let the artist advise on what fits the placement.
How do I avoid a misspelled Roman numeral tattoo?
Check each component separately against a converter, have a second person verify it, and ask your artist to stencil it for your approval before inking. Misspelled numeral tattoos are one of the most common cover-up requests.
Can every date be written in Roman numerals?
Yes for any realistic birth date. Roman numerals cover 1 to 3999, so every year from 1900 onward converts cleanly.