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

Writing a cheque looks simple until you have to spell out ₹1,25,050 in words, in a narrow line, in ink, without a single mistake. A cheque with an unclear or altered amount can be returned by the bank, and you may pay a charge for it. Here is how to get it right every time.

The quick rules

• Write in the Indian system: thousand, lakh, crore - not million or billion.
• Start writing right after the printed word "Rupees", with no gap.
• End with "Only" so nothing can be added after it.
• Draw a line through any empty space left on the line.
• Use the same pen, in blue or black ink, and do not overwrite or cut anything.

Examples you can copy

Not sure about a long number? Type it into the Number to Words Converter, choose Indian (lakh, crore) and Cheque - Indian Rupees, and copy the result. Pick Title Case to match how cheques are usually written.

Lakh and crore without mistakes

The Indian system groups digits differently: the last three digits, then pairs. So 1,25,050 is "1 lakh, 25 thousand, 050". The commas tell you exactly what to say:

• Last three digits: hundreds, tens and units.
• Next two digits: thousands.
• Next two digits: lakhs.
• Anything before that: crores.

The most common slip is writing "One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand" for ₹1,25,000. It means the same amount, but it mixes the international style into an Indian cheque and some bank staff will ask you to write a fresh one. Say it the Indian way: "One Lakh Twenty-Five Thousand".

Plural forms are also a common doubt. On cheques, "Lakh" and "Crore" are normally written without an "s" - "Fifteen Lakh", not "Fifteen Lakhs" - though both are generally accepted.

Writing paise

If the amount has paise, write the rupees first, then "and", then the paise: "Three Thousand Four Hundred Ninety-Nine and Fifty Paise Only". In the figures box, write 3,499.50.

Many people avoid paise on cheques altogether by rounding up to the next rupee. That is fine when you are paying a bill, as long as the receiver accepts it.

The figures box

Write the amount in figures right after the printed ₹ sign, with commas in the Indian style, and close it with /- so nothing can be added: 1,25,050/-. The /- means "and no paise". If there are paise, write 3,499.50 instead.

Make sure the words and figures say exactly the same amount. Under the Negotiable Instruments Act, the amount in words is the one that counts if they differ, but in practice most banks simply return a cheque whose words and figures do not match.

Mistakes that get cheques returned

• Overwriting or corrections. Since the CTS-2010 standard, banks do not accept changes on a cheque other than the date, and even that needs your full signature. If you make a mistake, write "CANCELLED" across the cheque and use a new one.
• Words and figures differ. Double-check both before signing.
• Gaps left on the line. Someone could add "Twenty" in front of your "Thousand". Start right after "Rupees" and draw a line to the end.
• Old date. A cheque is valid for three months from the date written on it.
• Signature does not match the bank's records. Sign the way you signed your account opening form.

A final check before you hand it over

1. Payee's name spelt exactly as on their bank account.
2. Amount in words, ending in "Only", with no gaps.
3. Amount in figures, ending in "/-", matching the words.
4. Today's date in DD/MM/YYYY format.
5. Your signature, and "A/C Payee" written between two lines in the top-left corner if the money must only go into the payee's account.

Writing a big amount you have never spelt before? Check it once with the Number to Words Converter - it takes ten seconds and saves a cheque leaf.