103 LearnersLast updated on July 4th, 2025
Number Names
Number names are numbers that are expressed as words. For example, the number 100 is read as one hundred. All natural numbers can be written in words based on the place value of their digits, such as ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, and so on. In this article, we will learn more about number names.
What are Number Names?
The words used to express numbers in written form are called number names. We simply replace the digits with words based on their place value. For example, 150 is written as one hundred and fifty.
Rules to Write Numbers in Words
Whenever numbers are written in words, we must follow a set of rules depending on place value. Writing a number properly in words gives better clarity and accuracy. Let’s explore some key guidelines:
Rule 1: For writing the number name, it is important to understand the place value of the digits. This is significant because there are two commonly used place value systems: Indian and International.
Rule 2: For numbers from 1 to 20, we can simply write the number name. For example, 1 → one and 20 → twenty.
Rule 3: For multiples of 100, the word ‘hundred’ should be added after the first number. E.g., in 200, the digit 2 is in the hundred's place, so it should be written as ‘two hundred.’
Rule 4: When dealing with numbers with more than two digits, we must write their expanded form, depending on the place value. For, e.g., 192 is expanded as: 192 = 100 + 90 + 2. Now, we can write this in words as ‘one hundred ninety-two'.
How to Write Numbers in Words in International System
The international system has a different type of place value system for certain positions of a digit in a number. In the international system, 1,000,000 is written as one million, which is equivalent to ten lakh in the Indian system. According to the international place value system, we should place the comma after the hundreds place and then after every three digits. Here, the place values are ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, a hundred thousands, millions, etc.
Numbers in Words in English
Before writing a number in words, we must first break it down using place values. The value of each digit can be determined using the international place value system. This makes it easy for us to spell out the number in words.
Number Names 1 to 100
The number names from 1 to 100 can be read by understanding the pattern, which is explained below. First, let us start with number names from 1 to 20, and then move on to the number names from 21 to 100.
Number Names 1 to 20
To know the number names from 1 to 20, let us see the following chart:
Number Names 21 to 100
To know the number names from 21 to 100, let us see the following chart:
Real-life Applications of Number Names
The ability to write numbers in words is an important skill to have as we use this skill in our everyday life. Some scenarios where numbers are expressed in words are given below.
- Bank: When amounts of money are written on checks or demand drafts, they are written in words to prevent fraudulent activities.
- Legal Contracts: All types of legal contracts have numbers written in words.
- Application Forms: Forms given out at educational institutions and government offices may ask the candidate to fill out the numbers in words.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Number Names
Students tend to make mistakes while understanding the concept of number names. Let us see some common mistakes and how to avoid them in number names:
Mistake 1
Incorrect Spacing and Hyphenation
Students should use a hyphen for numbers between 21 and 99. They must not use a hyphen for multiples of ten. They must remember to add a space between words like one hundred and five thousand.
Mistake 2
Skipping “And” in Large Numbers
In British English, students must use 'and' before the final part of the number. In American English, 'and' is typically omitted in whole numbers but used for decimals.
Mistake 3
Confusing Place Values
Students must practice breaking large numbers into groups of three digits from right to left. They must practice identifying thousands, millions, or billions before writing the number name.
Mistake 4
Incorrect Spelling of Number Words
Students must practice writing the number names and avoid making spelling mistakes. A spelling like forty is often misspelled as ‘fourty.’
Mistake 5
Writing “Zero” Incorrectly
While writing 0, students may often misplace it with the alphabet O, as they look similar. This will lead to unnecessary confusion and mistakes.
Solved Examples on Number Names
Problem 1
Write 45 in words.
forty-five.
Explanation
The number 45 consists of two digits: 4 (ten's place) and 5 (one's place).
The number 4 in the tens place represents "forty."
The number 5 in the one's place represents "five."
Combine them: forty-five.
Problem 2
Write 102 in words.
One hundred two.
Explanation
The number 102 consists of three digits: 1 (hundreds place), 0 (tens place), and 2 (one's place).
The number 1 in the hundred's place represents "one hundred."
The last two digits are 02, which is simply "two."
Combine them: One hundred two.
Problem 3
Write 678 in words.
Six hundred seventy-eight.
Explanation
The number 678 consists of three digits: 6 (hundreds), 7 (tens), and 8 (ones).
The number 6 in the hundred places represents "six hundred."
The number 78 is read as "seventy-eight."
Combine them: Six hundred seventy-eight.
Problem 4
Write 5,432 in words.
Five thousand four hundred thirty-two.
Explanation
The number 5,432 consists of four digits: 5 (thousands), 4 (hundreds), 3 (tens), and 2 (ones).
The number 5 in the thousands place represents "five thousand."
The number 4 in the hundreds place represents "four hundred."
The last two digits, 32, are read as "thirty-two."
Combine them: Five thousand four hundred thirty-two.
Problem 5
Write 9,007 in words.
Nine thousand seven.
Explanation
The number 9,007 consists of four digits: 9 (thousands), 0 (hundreds), 0 (tens), and 7 (ones).
The number 9 in the thousands place represents "nine thousand."
Since the hundreds and tens are zeros, we skip them.
The last digit, 7, is read as "seven."
Combine them: Nine thousand seven.
FAQs on Number Names
1.What are number names?
2.Why are number names important?
3.How do you write 200 words?
4.How do you write 1,250,345 in words?
5.How do you write 0 in words?
6.How can children in Singapore use numbers in everyday life to understand Number Names?
7.What are some fun ways kids in Singapore can practice Number Names with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and Number Names play in helping children in Singapore develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in Singapore create number-rich environments to improve Number Names skills?
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Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
