US check format
How to Write Dollar Amounts on a Check
Write the numeric amount in the small box using dollars, a decimal point, and two digits for cents. On the long amount line, begin at the far left and spell out the whole-dollar portion. Connect compound values from twenty-one through ninety-nine with hyphens, then write the cents as a fraction with 100 as the denominator. A check for $1,234.56 can read “One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty-Four and 56/100 Dollars Only.”
Always use two digits in the numerator. Five cents is 05/100, not 5/100, and an amount with no cents is 00/100. For a check below one dollar, write Zero before the cents fraction. The word “and” separates the whole dollars from the cents; it does not need to appear inside the whole-number phrase in standard American financial style.
After the written amount, draw a line through any unused space so no additional words can be inserted. Confirm that the numeric box and written line agree before signing. If the amounts conflict, a bank may rely on the written amount, delay the item, or reject it according to its procedures. Avoid overwriting or squeezing corrections into the amount line. Voiding the check and starting again is usually clearer.
This tool provides consistent wording, but a bank, employer, government office, or business may have its own format. For international conventions and GBP, EUR, or INR examples, use the complete cheque writing guide. For other supported currencies, return to the main multi-currency converter.
Common examples
USD Amount in Words Examples
| Numeric amount | Check wording |
|---|---|
| $0.01 | Zero and 01/100 Dollars Only |
| $1.00 | One and 00/100 Dollar Only |
| $25.50 | Twenty-Five and 50/100 Dollars Only |
| $100.00 | One Hundred and 00/100 Dollars Only |
| $1,000.75 | One Thousand and 75/100 Dollars Only |
| $12,345.67 | Twelve Thousand Three Hundred Forty-Five and 67/100 Dollars Only |
Frequently asked questions
USD Check Writing FAQ
How do I write USD cents on a check?
Use a two-digit fraction over 100, such as 05/100 or 56/100.
How do I write a check with no cents?
Use 00/100 after the whole-dollar wording rather than leaving the cents blank.
Where does the word Dollars go?
A common format places it after the cents fraction: “One Hundred and 25/100 Dollars.”
Can I use Standard output on an invoice?
Yes. Standard output spells both dollars and cents, which is often easier to read in invoice prose.
How large can the USD amount be?
Up to 999,999,999,999.99.