Writing amounts in words is a fraud prevention measure on checks and legal documents. The written amount takes precedence if it differs from the numeric amount. Following conventions ensures clarity and legal validity.
Standard Format
The conventional format is: "One thousand two hundred thirty-four and 56/100 dollars." The dollar amount is written in words, cents as a fraction over 100, followed by "dollars." Capitalize the first letter. Draw a line after to prevent additions.
Handling Cents
Cents are written as a fraction: 56/100 or 56/100ths. For whole dollar amounts, write "and 00/100 dollars" or "and no/100 dollars." Some styles use "exactly" for whole amounts: "One hundred dollars exactly."
Large Numbers
Use standard groupings: thousands, millions, billions. "One million two hundred thirty-four thousand five hundred sixty-seven." No commas in the written form. Hyphenate two-word numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine.
Legal Document Standards
Legal documents often show both forms: "one thousand dollars ($1,000.00)" with the written form typically taking precedence in disputes. Be consistent throughout a document. Avoid abbreviations in formal contexts.