Last updated on July 4th, 2025
Many nations use the international number system to represent numbers. The number system was evolved to simplify counting and representing large numbers. There are two types of numeral systems: the International Number System and the Indian Number System. The international numeric system is widely used, while India uses the Indian number system. To have a better understanding of the international number system, let’s study more about it and work through some examples.
Numbers are represented using the international number system, which divides them into groups or periods. These periods or groups aid us in accurately reading large numbers. Unlike the Indian Number System, the international number system uses commas for demarcation between digits. The international number system uses the following periods: ones, thousands, millions, etc. These periods are further subdivided into groups. To learn about the international number system’s period system, refer to the table below.
In mathematics, an international place value chart is a table that calculates the value of each digit in a number according to its location using the international number system. The place value of a number determines the value of each digit according to its position. The place value of a digit is the position of a number.
The place value chart helps in finding the place values and matches each digit to its corresponding position in a number. It is very useful for reading, writing, and understanding large numbers. In order to prevent confusion when reading very large figures, we divide them into groups using a comma.
The positioning of the separators (commas) is crucial in the international number system. These separators are based on the periods of any integer and its place values. The fundamental guideline for the international number system is as follows:
The international number system is widely used in real life for various purposes. Here are some examples:
The international number system is used worldwide to read, write, and compare large numbers. However, many people make common mistakes while using it, which can lead to confusion. Here are five mistakes and how to avoid them.
Write 4,789,123 in words.
Four million, seven hundred eighty-nine thousand, one hundred twenty-three.
In the international system, commas are placed after every three digits from the right, grouping numbers into millions, thousands, and ones.
What is the place value of 6 in 5,692,314?
600,000 (six hundred thousand).
The 6 is in the hundred-thousands place, so its value is 6 100,000 = 600,000.
Write “Seventy-six million, eight hundred forty-two thousand, nine hundred five” in numerals.
76,842,905
Break it into parts: 76 million (76,000,000), 842 thousand (842,000), and 905 (905), then combine them.
Write 9,205,481 in expanded form.
9,000,000 + 200,000 + 5,000 + 400 + 80 + 1
Break the number into its place values and write each as an additional term.
Convert 45,67,89,123 (Indian system) to the international system.
45,67,89,123 456,789,123
The Indian system places commas differently (lakh/crore), so rewrite it as 456,789,123 using millions and thousands.
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.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.