How to Write Numbers in Words (Cheques & Spelling)

When you need numbers in words

Writing numbers as words matters most on cheques (where words prevent tampering), in legal contracts, and in formal writing where style guides prefer spelled-out numbers. It’s also a common school exercise for learning place value.

The key rules

Hyphenate compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine (e.g., “forty-two”). Group large numbers by thousands, millions and billions (“one million, two hundred thousand”). In many styles, “and” is used before the final two digits in British usage (“one hundred and five”) but often omitted in US usage.

Writing amounts on a cheque

Write the whole-dollar amount in words and add the cents as a fraction: “One hundred and 50/100”. Draw a line to fill any remaining space so the amount can’t be altered. A number-to-words tool gives you the wording instantly to copy.

FAQ