The ARABIC function converts Roman numerals into Arabic numerals, letting you easily convert Roman numerals into a more readable format.
Contents:
Example - Converting Roman Numerals into Arabic Numerals
Syntax
= ARABIC(text)
text = a Roman numeral in text form that is to be converted into an Arabic numeral
Explanation
The ARABIC function is part of the "Math & Trigonometry" group of functions within Excel.
What are Arabic and Roman Numerals?
Arabic numerals are what you would think of as standard numbers used widely across the world. They are the ten numerical digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
They are called Arabic numerals as they were introduced into Europe originally by Arabic speakers from Spain and North Africa.
Roman numerals on the other hand, originated from ancient Rome, and are comprised of seven basic symbols.
These seven symbols, as seen on the left, are combined in various ways to represent different numbers.
A symbol placed before another symbol of equal or greater value subtracts their value together. And a symbol placed after, is added.
For example, V represents 5. If we include the Roman version of 1 or I before V to get IV, we get the number 4. Conversely, VI would be 6, as the I comes after the larger symbol and is added.
This process is repeated for all symbols in a given Roman numeral.
Important Notes
- The input value must be in a text format, all other formats will return a #VALUE! error
- String can be capitalized or uncapitalized, the result will be the same
- Leading and trailing spaces will be ignored
- Negative Roman numerals can be used and will return a negative number
- The maximum string length is 255 characters
To convert from Arabic numerals into Roman numerals, use the ROMAN function.
Examples
How to Convert Roman Numerals into Arabic Numerals
Here is an example of using the ARABIC function to convert Roman numerals into Arabic numerals (regular numbers).
In each formula, the Roman numerals are referenced as the Text argument. The function can use either a cell reference or a hardcoded value.
= ARABIC(B1)
= ARABIC ("MXMVII")