How To Spell Out Numbers

Guidance on Spelling Out Numbers

When spelling out numbers in full, there are four rules to follow.

(Rule 1) Hyphenate all numbers between 21-99 less those divisible by 10.

Hyphenate all numbers between 21 and 99 (except 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90) regardless of where they appear in the number. For example:
  • 51 (fifty-one correct tick)
  • 234 (two hundred thirty-four correct tick)
  • 450 (four hundred fifty correct tick)
  • (Do not hyphenate numbers divisible by 10, e.g., 20, 30, 40.)
  • 25,223 (twenty five thousand two hundred twenty three wrong cross)
  • ("Twenty five" and "twenty three" should be hyphenated.)
Read more about hyphens and dashes between numbers.

(Rule 2) Do not use "and" in whole numbers.

The word "and" is not written with whole numbers. You might say "four hundred and fifty," but do not write the "and." For example:
  • 3,567 (three thousand five hundred and sixty-seven wrong cross)
  • 3,567 (three thousand five hundred sixty-seven correct tick)

(Rule 3) Use "and" for the decimal point.

If the numbers after the decimal point are not said as figures, then use "and" instead of "point." For example:
  • $3,567.65 (three thousand five hundred sixty-seven dollars and sixty-five cents correct tick)
  • 234.2 (two hundred thirty-four and two tenths correct tick)
  • 44,120.42 (forty-four thousand one hundred twenty and forty-two hundredths correct tick)
Here are examples of the numbers after the decimal point being said as figures. This is rare.
  • 234.2 (two hundred thirty-four point two correct tick)
  • 44,120.42 (forty-four thousand one hundred twenty point four two correct tick)

(Rule 4) Do not use commas.

Do not use commas when writing numbers out in full.
  • 44,120 (forty-four thousand, one hundred twenty wrong cross)
  • 44,120 (forty-four thousand one hundred twenty correct tick)
writing numbers in full words

Points to Note

Writing "And"

Avoiding "and" when writing numbers in full is largely an American convention. Those following British writing conventions tend to use "and." For example:
  • 3,567 (three thousand five hundred and sixty-seven wrong cross small American flag)
  • 3,567 (three thousand five hundred and sixty-seven correct tick small British flag )
The rule to avoid "and" in the US is so strong that many will take "one hundred and one" to mean 100.1 as opposed to 101.

"Forty" Not "Fourty"

The number 40 is spelt forty and not fourty.

There Is No "a" between 1 and 999

Interestingly, if you avoid "and" (as is the US convention) and start writing out the whole numbers from zero upwards, you will reach 1000 before you use the letter "a."

More Points to Note

Write As Simply As Possible

Is there a better way to express your large number? Usually, the simplest way is best.
  • 2,400 (twenty-four hundred)
  • 2,400 (two thousand four hundred)
  • (These are both correct, but the top one is easier to read. Try to help your readers.)

Avoid Numbers at the Start of Sentences

If your sentence starts with a number, write it out in full. For example:
  • 71 people attended the meeting. wrong cross
  • (This is not wrong, but it's untidy.)
  • Seventy-one people attended the meeting. correct tick
If your number is long, reword your sentence. For example:
  • 23,465 people attended the concert. wrong cross
  • (This is not wrong, but it's untidy.)
  • Twenty-three thousand four hundred sixty-five people attended the concert. wrong cross
  • (This is unwieldy and untidy.)
Here are some options:
  • Precisely 23,465 people attended the concert. correct tick
  • More than 23,400 people attended the concert. correct tick
  • According to the organizers, 23,465 people attended the concert. correct tick
  • The concert was attended by 23,465 people. correct tick
Read more about starting sentences with numbers. Read about using numbers as adjectives and writing fractions in words.
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This page was written by Craig Shrives.