Number Names

The words used to express numbers in written form are called number names. We replace digits with words according to their place value. For example, 150 is written as one hundred and fifty.

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 example, 192 is expanded as:\( 192 = 100 + 90 + 2\), which corresponds to one hundred ninety-two.

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.


Example

Let’s look at the number 52739418.
 

Step 1: Add commas the international way

In the International System, we place a comma after every three digits from the right.

So, 52739418 becomes 52,739,418.
 

Step 2: Write it in words

Now we read it as:

Fifty-two million, seven hundred thirty-nine thousand, four hundred eighteen.

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 100.
 

Number Names 1 to 100

To know the number names from 1 to 100, let us see the following number name chart:

These tips, like using real-life examples, fun games, rhythm, and creative activities, make learning number names enjoyable for children. By starting small and guiding them step by step, parents and teachers can help kids build confidence and understand numbers easily.

Use daily-life examples: Parents and teachers can point out numbers on clocks, calendars, price tags, or house numbers and say the number names aloud. Kids learn faster when they see numbers around them.

Break numbers into smaller parts: Teach children to read big numbers by splitting them (like “twenty-five” = “twenty” + “five”). This helps them understand patterns easily.
 

Practice with fun activities: Turn learning into play! Parents can use simple flashcards at home, while teachers can try games like “Number Name Bingo” or matching cards in class. When kids have fun, they learn faster.
 

Repeat with rhythm: Using a sing-song style makes number names easier to remember. Parents can chant them with kids during car rides, and teachers can use rhythmic chants to keep the class engaged.
 

Start small, then build up: Begin with the basic number names from 1 to 20. Once children are comfortable, move on to the tens (20, 30, 40…), and then combine numbers like 21–99. Taking it step by step helps kids feel confident.
 

Use drawing and coloring: Kids learn best when they’re creative! Parents and teachers can provide worksheets where children color number names or draw pictures that match each number. It makes learning fun and memorable.

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.  

• Shopping and billing: Receipts and bills display total amounts in both digits and words (e.g., ₹1,250 One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Rupees).

• Government records: Important documents like census forms and financial reports use number names to prevent alteration.