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Number to Words Converter

Spell out numbers in words, for checks and documents.

In words

one thousand two hundred thirty-four and fifty-six hundredths

When to use it

Use this tool to write numbers out in English words. It is handy for writing checks, legal and financial documents that need amounts in words, invoices, formal letters, wedding invitations, and teaching children how to read and write large numbers.

How to use it

  1. Type the Number, such as 1,234.56. Commas and spaces are ignored.
  2. Choose how to Write as:
    • Words
    • Check / cheque amount
    • Ordinal (first, second…)
    • Decimals read digit by digit
  3. For checks, choose the Currency: dollars, pounds, euros, rupees, or no currency for plain whole and fractional parts.
  4. Tick Use “and” for British style, and Capitalize if needed.
  5. Read the result under In words and click Copy.

Worked examples

  • Words: 1,234.56 becomes one thousand two hundred thirty-four and fifty-six hundredths.
  • Check: the same number becomes one thousand two hundred thirty-four dollars and fifty-six cents. With Capitalize, every word starts with a capital, as many banks prefer: One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty-Four Dollars And Fifty-Six Cents.
  • Ordinal: 21 becomes Twenty-first, useful for dates and rankings.
  • British style: 105 with “and” becomes one hundred and five.

Writing rules worth knowing

  • Numbers from 21 to 99 take a hyphen: forty-two, ninety-nine.
  • Large numbers group in thousands: one million two hundred thousand.
  • In formal writing, numbers at the start of a sentence are written in words.

Filling in a check step by step

  1. Write the amount in figures in the box, such as 1,234.56.
  2. Copy the words from the tool onto the long line.
  3. Draw a line through any empty space after the words.
  4. Check that the figures and words match before you sign.

Tips

  • Match the figures and the words on checks. If they differ, the bank may refuse the check or use the words.
  • Copy rather than retype. It avoids spelling mistakes like “fourty” (the correct spelling is forty).
  • Use digit by digit for codes and decimals read aloud. 3.14 becomes three point one four.
  • Use ordinals for dates in invitations. The twenty-first of June reads more formally than 21 June.

Common mistakes

  • Spelling forty with a u. Four has a u, but forty does not.
  • Mixing styles. Use “and” consistently, or not at all, within one document.
  • Forgetting the cents on checks. Even zero cents should be written, such as “and zero cents” or “and 00/100”.

Frequently asked questions

How do I write a check amount in words?

Choose Check / cheque amount and your currency. 1,234.56 becomes "one thousand two hundred thirty-four dollars and fifty-six cents". Many people then add "only" at the end and draw a line to fill the space, so nothing can be added.

Should I use "and" in numbers?

In British English, "and" goes before the last part, as in one hundred and five. In American English it is usually left out: one hundred five. Tick Use "and" for the British style.

What are ordinal numbers?

Numbers that show order, such as first, second and twenty-first. Choose Ordinal to turn 21 into twenty-first. Ordinals only work for whole numbers.

How are decimals written?

For up to three decimal places, the tool uses tenths, hundredths or thousandths, such as fifty-six hundredths. Choose Decimals read digit by digit to get "point five six" instead, which is how decimals are usually read aloud.

How large a number can it handle?

Up to just under one undecillion, a number with 36 digits.

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