When handling financial transactions, legal documents, or checks, there may come a time when you need to write out numbers in words rather than just numerals. You may be wondering, “How do I write $87.23 in words in English?” This simple guide will walk you through the steps, ensuring you get it right every time. Whether it’s for a bank check, a legal agreement, or simply curiosity, we’ve got you covered!
Why Do We Write Numbers in Words?
Before we dive into writing $87.23 in words, let’s quickly understand why it’s sometimes necessary to write numbers in words. The main reason is clarity and security. Writing out numbers prevents any misunderstanding or potential fraud. For example, $87.23 could be altered to $187.23 by simply adding a digit, but if the amount is also written in words, the fraud becomes more difficult.
How to Write $87.23 in Words in English
Writing out numbers can feel daunting, but it’s pretty straightforward once you know the basic rules. Here’s the breakdown for $87.23:
- The dollar amount is written as: Eighty-seven dollars.
- The cents amount is written as: Twenty-three cents.
So, when combined, you would write:
Eighty-seven dollars and twenty-three cents.
Alternatively, if you’re writing this on a check, it might look like this:
Eighty-seven dollars and 23/100.
The “23/100” represents the 23 cents as a fraction of a dollar. On checks, using fractions is a common practice to avoid confusion.
Breaking Down the Process Step by Step
To make this even easier, here’s a simple step-by-step approach to writing $87.23 in words:
- Focus on the dollar amount first. Look at the whole number (87) and write it out. In this case, it’s eighty-seven.
- Add the word “dollars.” After writing the number, simply add “dollars” to specify the currency. So far, you have: eighty-seven dollars.
- Move to the cents part. Now, look at the decimal part (.23). This represents the cents. Write this as “twenty-three cents.”
- Connect the dollars and cents with “and.” This is important when writing out dollar amounts. So, the final version would be: Eighty-seven dollars and twenty-three cents.
Practical Examples of Using Written Dollar Amounts
- Checks: One of the most common uses for writing out dollar amounts is on checks. On the line where you write the payment amount in words, you would put:Eighty-seven dollars and 23/100This prevents the amount from being easily altered.
- Legal documents: In contracts or agreements, it’s crucial to write the dollar amount in both numbers and words to avoid any misinterpretation.“The agreed-upon payment is eighty-seven dollars and twenty-three cents ($87.23).”
- Invoices: In some invoices, particularly for legal or official purposes, the total amount may need to be written out in words for clarity.“Total due: Eighty-seven dollars and twenty-three cents.”
Why Is Writing the Exact Amount Important?
Writing out amounts like $87.23 in words can seem like an extra step, but it’s important for several reasons:
- Avoiding errors: Mistakes with numbers can be costly. Writing the amount in words ensures there is no confusion.
- Preventing fraud: As mentioned earlier, adding digits to numerals is a common way to commit fraud. If the amount is also written in words, altering it becomes much more difficult.
- Ensuring clarity: Especially in legal and official documents, writing the exact amount in words provides an additional layer of clarity and professionalism.
What Happens if I Make a Mistake?
If you’re filling out a check or legal document and you accidentally write the wrong amount, it’s important to correct it right away. Depending on the situation, you may need to void the check or start a new document.
For example, if you wrote “eighty-seven dollars and thirteen cents” instead of “eighty-seven dollars and twenty-three cents,” you should void the check and start again. In a legal document, a simple initial next to the correction might suffice.
FAQs
1. Can I use abbreviations when writing out amounts?
No, you should avoid abbreviations. Always write the full amount in words for clarity, especially on checks or legal documents.
2. What if I only have dollars and no cents?
If the amount is an even number (e.g., $87.00), you can write, Eighty-seven dollars and no cents or Eighty-seven dollars and 00/100.
3. Do I need to capitalize the first letter when writing amounts?
Yes, typically the first letter of the written amount is capitalized for proper formatting, like this: Eighty-seven dollars…
4. Can I use a decimal point in the written amount?
No, avoid using decimal points when writing the amount in words. Use words or fractions like 23/100 instead of writing 0.23.
5. How do I write large amounts, like $1,000.23?
The same rules apply! You would write it as One thousand dollars and twenty-three cents.
6. Is it okay to write the amount in words in all caps?
While it’s not grammatically necessary, some people choose to write the amount in all caps for checks or legal documents. It’s a personal or stylistic choice.
Conclusion
Writing out dollar amounts like $87.23 in words may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature. Always remember the key parts: write the dollars, connect with “and,” and finish with the cents. Whether for a check, an invoice, or a legal document, you’ll be prepared to handle any situation that calls for writing numbers in words.
