Write amounts in words correctly
Cheques, invoices, legal agreements, receipts and bank forms require the amount in words as well as in figures, so that the number cannot be altered easily. Writing a large amount such as ₹25,47,830.50 in words is easy to get wrong, especially when switching between the Indian lakh-crore system and the international million-billion system. This converter does it instantly.
How to use it
- Type the number or amount. Commas, spaces and the ₹ sign are ignored.
- Choose the Indian or international numbering system.
- Choose the format: cheque style (Rupees … Only), plain words, or US dollars and cents.
- Copy the words.
Indian vs international numbering
| Figure | Indian system | International system |
|---|---|---|
| 1,00,000 / 100,000 | One Lakh | One Hundred Thousand |
| 10,00,000 / 1,000,000 | Ten Lakh | One Million |
| 1,00,00,000 / 10,000,000 | One Crore | Ten Million |
| 1,00,00,00,000 / 1,000,000,000 | One Hundred Crore | One Billion |
In the Indian system, digits are grouped as 3 then 2, 2, 2 (99,99,999), while the international system groups every 3 digits (9,999,999).
Example
₹25,47,830.50 in cheque format is: Rupees Twenty-Five Lakh Forty-Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty and Fifty Paise Only. In the international system, the same number is Two Million Five Hundred Forty-Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty.
Tips for writing cheques
- Start writing right at the beginning of the line and end with "Only", so nothing can be added.
- Make sure the amount in words and figures match exactly. Banks may reject a cheque if they differ.
- Draw a line through any empty space after the words.
- Indian banks accept both "Paise" and amounts written as "and 50/100".
Frequently asked questions
Should I write "One Hundred" or "A Hundred"?
Use "One Hundred" on financial documents. It is clearer and more formal.
Why are hyphens used in numbers like Twenty-Five?
Standard English hyphenates compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine.
How large a number can I convert?
Up to 21 digits, which covers any real-world amount.