ROMAN()

Syntax. ROMAN(number,form)

Definition. This function converts an Arabic number into a Roman numeral.

Arguments

Table 16-4. Possible Values for the form Argument

Value

Type of Roman Numeral

0

Classic

1

More concise

2

More concise

3

More concise

4

Simplified

TRUE

Classic

FALSE

Simplified

The different styles for Roman numerals.

Figure 16-23. The different styles for Roman numerals.

Background. Roman numerals consist of basic numerals and auxiliary numerals. The auxiliary numerals were introduced later because numbers written in basic numerals were sometimes too long (see Table 16-5).

Table 16-5. Roman Numeral Forms

Basic Numeral

Auxiliary Numeral

Value

Arabic

Value

Arabic

I

1

V

5

X

10

L

50

C

100

D

500

M

1000

  

The following rules for Roman numerals apply:

Roman numerals remained in common use in central Europe until about the 16th century and were continuously adjusted. Arabic numbers became prevalent only at the onset of the letterpress. The Romans didn’t use the subtractions just listed. Even today, the number 4 on clock faces labeled with Roman numerals is often written in the original style: IIII.

In addition to the classic Roman numeral style, shorter styles are possible.

Examples. The ROMAN() function converts Arabic numbers into Roman numerals, which are often used for chapters or enumerations:

1 List of references

I List of references

2 Table of Contents

II Table of Contents

3 Introduction

III Introduction

More examples for this function are: