How to write the amount in words on a cheque
- Start at the far left of the line, so that nobody can add words in front of the amount.
- Write the amount in words, then the currency, for example Twenty-five Thousand Rupees.
- Write the paise or cents after the word and, if there are any.
- End with Only, and draw a line through the empty space that is left.
- Write the same amount in figures in the box. In most places the words are treated as the real amount when the words and the figures differ, so check both.
Examples for cheques
| Figures | Words to write on the cheque |
|---|---|
| Rs. 1,250/- | One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Rupees Only |
| Rs. 15,000/- | Fifteen Thousand Rupees Only |
| Rs. 25,000/- | Twenty-Five Thousand Rupees Only |
| Rs. 75,000/- | Seventy-Five Thousand Rupees Only |
| Rs. 1,00,000/- | One Lakh Rupees Only |
| Rs. 2,50,000/- | Two Lakh Fifty Thousand Rupees Only |
| Rs. 10,00,000/- | Ten Lakh Rupees Only |
| Rs. 1,00,00,000/- | One Crore Rupees Only |
Indian or International wording?
Banks in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka expect lakh and crore. Banks in most other countries expect thousand, million and billion. This tool starts with the Indian style and the Indian rupee. Switch the number system and the currency for dollars, pounds, dirhams, riyals and 27 more.
Common mistakes on cheques
- Leaving space after the words. Fill it with a line.
- Mixing systems, such as figures in Indian grouping (5,00,000) with words in millions.
- Missing hyphens or spelling of numbers like forty (not fourty) or fifteen.
- Forgetting the paise. If the amount has paise, write them in words after and.
- Overwriting. If you make a mistake, use a new cheque, because banks may refuse a cheque with corrections.
Invoices, receipts and contracts
The same wording works on invoices, receipts, salary slips and contracts: write Total amount in words under the figures. This protects both sides from a typing mistake in the digits.
The general tool is the number to words converter. Also see rupees in words, lakh and crore to words and the guide to writing numbers in words. For discounts on an invoice, try the percent off calculator.