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Cheques are used less often than they once were, but they still matter for rent, security deposits, school fees, business payments and loan applications. A small mistake in the amount line is one of the most common reasons a cheque gets returned — and a returned cheque can mean late fees, embarrassment, or worse. Here’s how to write amounts correctly every time.
The anatomy of the amount section
An Indian cheque has two places for the amount:
- Amount in words — the long line beginning with “Rupees”.
- Amount in figures — the box with the ₹ symbol.
Both must show exactly the same amount.
Rules for writing the amount in words
1. Start at the very beginning of the line
Write immediately after the printed word “Rupees”, leaving no space where someone could add a word like “One Lakh” in front.
2. Use the Indian numbering system
Write in thousands, lakhs and crores, as Indian banks expect:
| Figures | In words |
|---|---|
| 12,500 | Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Only |
| 1,50,000 | One Lakh Fifty Thousand Only |
| 25,75,300 | Twenty-Five Lakh Seventy-Five Thousand Three Hundred Only |
| 1,20,00,000 | One Crore Twenty Lakh Only |
3. End with “Only”
“Only” closes the amount so nothing can be added after it. Then draw a line through any remaining empty space on the line.
4. Write paise clearly
For an amount like ₹4,999.50, write either:
- Rupees Four Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-Nine and Fifty Paise Only, or
- Rupees Four Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-Nine and 50/100 Only.
Capital letters at the start of each word aren't required, but they make the amount easier to read and harder to alter. Write clearly and avoid abbreviations like “Rs. 4.99 K”.
Rules for writing the amount in figures
- Write the figure right next to the ₹ symbol, with no space.
- Use the Indian comma style: ₹1,50,000 rather than ₹150,000.
- End with “/-” for whole rupees, e.g. ₹12,500/-, so no digit can be added.
- For paise, write ₹4,999.50.
Common mistakes that get cheques returned
- Words and figures don’t match — for example, “Fifteen Thousand” in words but ₹1,500 in figures.
- Overwriting or corrections — cheques under the CTS-2010 standard generally shouldn’t have any alterations to the amount or payee. If you make a mistake, cancel the cheque and write a new one.
- Gaps in the amount line that could allow someone to insert extra words.
- Stale cheque — a cheque is generally valid for three months from the date written on it.
- Signature mismatch with the bank’s records.
- Ink issues — use a permanent, dark (blue or black) ballpoint pen; avoid gel pens that smudge.
A cheque returned for insufficient funds can have serious legal consequences in India. Always make sure the balance is available before handing over a cheque.
Extra safety tips
- Cross the cheque (two parallel lines in the top-left corner, optionally with “A/C Payee”) so it can only be deposited into a bank account.
- Never sign a blank cheque.
- Fill the stub or keep a record of the cheque number, date, amount and payee.
- For larger cheques, banks may contact you under Positive Pay to confirm the details — respond promptly.
Convert any amount instantly
Not sure how to write ₹23,47,650.75 in words? Our Number to Words converter writes any amount in the Indian system (lakh and crore), in rupees-and-paise cheque format with “Only” at the end, and in the international system (million and billion) — ready to copy.
Free toolTry the Number to WordsWrite any number in words — Indian and international formats, ready for cheques.Frequently asked questions
How do I write ₹1,50,000 in words?
Rupees One Lakh Fifty Thousand Only.
Should I write 'lakh' or 'lac'?
Both are understood by Indian banks. 'Lakh' is the standard spelling and is recommended.
What happens if the words and figures don't match?
Under Indian law the amount in words is treated as the amount payable when there's a difference, but in practice banks often return such cheques. Avoid the problem by double-checking before you sign.
Written by the Toolsopedia team. Spotted an error? Tell us and we’ll fix it.