For example, to convert the number 123,456 to words, you would split it into 123, 456 and convert each group to words: "one hundred twenty-three thousand", "four hundred fifty-six". Then you would combine the words to get the final result: "one hundred twenty-three thousand four hundred fifty-six".
There are many libraries and tools available that can help you convert numbers to words automatically, so you don't have to do it manually. Some programming languages have built-in functions for this purpose, while others have third-party libraries that you can use.
Frequently asked questions
Write the amount in words on the long line, starting at the far left so nothing can be added in front of it, then the pence as a fraction or the word “only” at the end. 1,250.00 becomes “One thousand two hundred and fifty pounds only”. Banks compare the written amount with the figures in the box, and where the two disagree it is the words that are treated as the real amount – which is why the spelling is worth getting right.
It depends where you are. British English puts “and” before the tens and units: one hundred and one. American English usually drops it: one hundred one. Neither is wrong, but keep to one style within a single document, and on a cheque follow the convention your bank uses.
Up to the quadrillions, which is far past anything a cheque or a form will ask for. Above that the naming stops being standard – British and American English historically disagreed about what a billion was – so a figure that large is clearer written as digits.
Decimals are read out after the whole part, so 12.5 becomes twelve point five. A minus sign is read as “minus” in front. For money it is usually clearer to write the pence separately – “twelve pounds fifty” – than as a decimal.
Cheques and legal documents require it, because words cannot be altered as easily as a digit can. Most style guides also spell out numbers under ten in running prose, and any number that opens a sentence. Invoices, contracts and tax forms often ask for both the figures and the words for the same reason a cheque does.
No. The conversion runs in your browser, so the number never leaves your device. That matters more than it sounds for this tool, because the numbers people convert here are usually amounts of money.
“Only” is the convention on cheques in the UK, India and much of the Commonwealth: it marks the end of the amount so no one can append another word. It is not needed in ordinary writing, and you can delete it after copying.
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