How the converter works
The number is split into groups and each group is read out with its name. In the South Asian system the groups are thousand, lakh (a hundred thousand), crore (ten million), arab (a thousand million) and kharab (a hundred thousand million). In the international system every group has three digits: thousand, million, billion and trillion. The calculation uses exact whole-number arithmetic, so big amounts are never rounded.
Writing a cheque correctly
- Write the amount in words, add the currency, and end with "Only" so nothing can be added after the amount.
- Write the words and the figures so that they match exactly. If they differ, the bank may refuse the cheque, or follow the words.
- Draw a line through any blank space after "Only".
- Use UPPER CASE if you prefer it; the choice does not change the meaning.
Quick examples
1,00,000 is One Lakh. 12,50,000 is Twelve Lakh Fifty Thousand. 10,00,00,000 is Ten Crore, or One Hundred Million in the international system. To see the size of a number in lakh or crore from a price, try the percentage calculator or the unit converter.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write an amount in words on a cheque?
Write the amount in words, add the currency, and finish with 'Only', for example 'One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars and Fifty Cents Only'. Switch on cheque style here and pick your currency to get exactly that. In Pakistan and India the currency name usually comes first ('Rupees One Lakh Only') and this tool does that for rupees.
What is the difference between the lakh/crore and international systems?
South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka) groups digits as thousand, lakh (100,000) and crore (10,000,000). The rest of the world uses thousand, million and billion. So 10,000,000 is One Crore in India and Ten Million in the USA. The tool picks a default from your region and you can switch.
How are cents and other minor units written?
In cheque style the minor unit follows the main amount, for example 'and Fifty Cents' or 'and Fifty Pence'. Outside cheque style the decimals are read as 'point Five Zero'. Amounts are rounded to two decimal places.
Should I use 'and' in the words?
It is optional. Many people write 'One Hundred and Five', while others leave it out. Tick the box to add 'and' in the British style.
How large a number can it handle?
Up to 15 digits, which is hundreds of trillions, or up to ten kharab in the South Asian system.