How to Write the Amount in Words on a Cheque (Lakh and Crore Examples)

The basic format

The standard way to write an amount is: Rupees + the amount in words + only. If the amount includes paise, write them after the rupees. Examples:

• 5,000 → Five Thousand Rupees only
• 1,23,456 → One Lakh Twenty Three Thousand Four Hundred and Fifty Six Rupees only
• 125.50 → One Hundred and Twenty Five Rupees and Fifty Paise only
• 99.05 → Ninety Nine Rupees and Five Paise only

Some banks and businesses write paise as a fraction, such as One Hundred and Twenty Five Rupees and 50/100 only. Both styles mean the same amount, so follow the style your organisation uses.

Lakh and crore: reading the commas

Indian numbering groups the last three digits, then groups of two. That is why 12,50,000 is written with commas after the 2 and after the 50. To say it in words, read each group in turn:

International style would call 12,50,000 “One Million Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand”. If your document must follow the Indian system, do not mix the two styles.

Step-by-step: filling in a cheque

1. Write the figures first, with the rupee sign and a closing line, for example ₹12,50,000/-.
2. Begin the words at the extreme left of the line. Do not leave a gap before the first word.
3. Write the amount in words using Indian terms, and end with only.
4. Draw a line through any unused space after the word “only”, so that nothing can be added.
5. Check that words and figures say exactly the same amount, then sign.

You can generate the words with the Number to Words converter and then copy them onto the cheque by hand. Always read the result against your figures before you write it out.

What if words and figures do not match?

Under the Negotiable Instruments Act, when the amount in words differs from the amount in figures, the amount stated in words is treated as the amount. Banks may also return a cheque with a mismatch for clarification. The safest practice is to make sure that they agree and, if you make a mistake, to write a fresh cheque rather than correct the old one. Banks generally want any correction to be signed by the person who issued the cheque, and many prefer a new cheque.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Mixing systems. Writing “one million” for ₹10,00,000 in an Indian document.
• Forgetting the “and” before the last part. Many styles write “Four Hundred and Fifty Six”. Follow your organisation’s style, but be consistent.
• Leaving space at the end. Always close the line after “only”.
• Wrong amount for paise. 99.05 is Five Paise, not Fifty Paise.
• Overwriting. Use a fresh cheque instead of writing over a mistake.

Amount in words on invoices

Tax invoices and bills often show the total in words as well. The same rules apply: Indian numbering, rupees and paise, and the word “only”. If you prepare invoices regularly, the Invoice Generator adds the amount in words for you. Note that it writes the final amount rounded to the nearest rupee, so use the round-off field to keep the figure and the words identical.

Frequently asked questions