Number to Words Converter
Convert numeric values to written English words for checks and documents
Tip: For checks, use the currency option with "and" for cents.
Conversion Result
Original Number:
-
Converted to Words:
-
Check Writing Example:
Pay to the order of: John Doe
$1,234.56
One thousand two hundred thirty-four and 56/100 dollars
Proper Number Formatting for Checks
Standard Check Writing Format
- Write the full dollar amount in words
- Include "and" followed by the cents as a fraction (e.g., 45/100)
- End with "dollars" or draw a line to prevent alteration
- Always match the numeric and written amounts
Examples
$1,250.75 → "One thousand two hundred fifty and 75/100 dollars"
$345.00 → "Three hundred forty-five and 00/100 dollars"
$7.50 → "Seven and 50/100 dollars"
Number Writing Rules in English
Cardinal Numbers
- Hyphenate compound numbers (twenty-one to ninety-nine)
- Use commas as thousand separators
- "And" is optional before tens/units (both "one hundred one" and "one hundred and one" are correct)
Large Numbers
- Millions: 1,000,000 → "one million"
- Billions: 1,000,000,000 → "one billion"
- Trillions: 1,000,000,000,000 → "one trillion"
- For values over trillion, use the short scale (quadrillion, quintillion, etc.)
Why Convert Numbers to Words? Key Use Cases
Legal & Financial Documents
Writing out numbers in words is legally required for checks, contracts, and official documents to prevent fraud and ambiguity. This converter ensures you meet formal requirements for:
- Bank checks and money orders
- Legal contracts and agreements
- Loan documents and promissory notes
- Real estate transactions
Academic & Professional Writing
Proper number formatting follows specific style guide requirements in academic and professional contexts. Our tool helps with:
- Thesis papers and academic publications
- Business reports and presentations
- Technical documentation
- Journalism and editorial content
Did you know? 89% of check fraud attempts involve altering the numeric amount. Writing out the amount in words provides crucial legal protection against such fraud.
How to Write Numbers Correctly: Style Guide Rules
General Number Rules
- 0-9: Spell out (e.g., "three items")
- 10+: Use numerals (e.g., "15 samples")
- Beginning sentences: Always spell out
- Consecutive numbers: Spell one, numeral the other ("five 6-inch boards")
- Decimals: Always use numerals (0.25, not zero point twenty-five)
Special Cases
- Percentages: Use numerals with "%" (5%, not five percent)
- Currency: $10.50 or ten dollars and fifty cents
- Dates: July 4 or the Fourth of July (context matters)
- Time: 3:30 PM or three-thirty (formal vs. informal)
- Fractions: 3/4 or three-quarters (consistency is key)
Style Guide Variations
APA Style
Spell out 0-9, numerals for 10+
Chicago Manual
Spell out 0-99, numerals for 100+
MLA Style
Spell out simple numbers, numerals for complex
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum number this converter can handle?
This tool accurately converts numbers up to 999 trillion (999,999,999,999,999). For values beyond this range, it will display "over nine hundred ninety-nine trillion".
How are decimal numbers handled for currency?
Decimal amounts are converted as cents in fraction form (e.g., 0.75 becomes "and 75/100"). For non-currency conversions, decimals are spelled digit-by-digit after "point".
What's the proper format for legal documents?
Legal documents typically show amounts in both words and numbers (e.g., "One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($1,200)"). Use uppercase for formal documents.