How to write a check in cents can be tricky and It’s the little things that get to you sometimes. You may be familiar with checks, but you can’t seem to figure out how to write out the number.
Writing a check in cents is particularly difficult, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to do it without a thought in no time.
Sample How to write a Check Cents
Consider the situation where you need to write a check for $6.15 (six dollars and fifteen cents). There are two steps to this process:
- Numbers are used to writing the amount (see the amount in the numeric form above).
- Write the amount in sentences (see the amount in words in the image above).
To begin, write the amount in numeric form in the dollar box, which is next to the dollar sign ($) on the top right side of your check. Begin by writing the dollar amount (“6”), then a decimal point (“.”), and finally the number of cents (“15”). In the end, the dollar box will have the number “6.15.”
The following two steps will be similar on how to write a check in cents
- Write down the value of the currency.
- Write “and.” Write the word.
- Write down the cents number.
The difficult part is the fractional format for the number of cents. Write the cents number, then slash (“/”) and then enter 100. To do this, enter 100. This is the technical amount of whole dollars in a fractional amount.
Write the following with our example of $6.15:
- “Six dollars”
- “and”
- “15/100”
Write it all in one line so it is read “6 dollars and 15/100 dollars.” See a step-by-step guide using the same number for a comprehensive explanation of how to write a check.
Let’s take a closer look at the illustration now that you have the basic concept.
No “cents”:
You’ll note that the word “cents” isn’t mentioned anywhere; you don’t need to use it when writing a check. It is necessary to simply enter the number of cents in the above format.
You can write “fifteen cents” if you like, but it’s simpler and quicker to use the fraction format. It wouldn’t make sense because your check probably has the word “Dollars” at the end of the line.
The word “and”:
Right before you write how many cents the check is for, include the word “and” (or just after you write out the full dollar amount). You’re writing a dollars-and-cents check.
You can substitute an ampersand (“&”) or a plus sign (“+”) if you prefer. When writing out the number, it’s best to avoid using the word “and.”
The following example, for instance, is incorrect, and the word “and” should be removed: “One hundred and three dollars,”. This is is the ideal way of how to write a check in cents.
Percentages on how to write a check cents
It could be helpful to think in percentages: Percent is derived from a Latin expression that loosely translates to “every 100.” Cents are one percent of a dollar, which is why they are called cents.
Another way to think about it is that each cent represents one-hundredth of a dollar. When you write a check, you make a note of how many dollars it is for, both whole and partial dollars—or cents.
Let us look at more examples on how to write a check in cents
Try a few different dollar amounts to solidify the idea and grow the habit.
- Example: Write a check for twelve dollars and twenty-five cents.12.25 which is Twelve and 25/100
- Write a check for twenty-five dollars and three cents, for example.25.03 which is Twenty Five and 3/100
- Write a two-dollar check as an example.2.00. You can still have two digits to the right of the decimal, as seen by the double zero.Two and 00/100. You can use one or two zeros here, but two is the safer choice.
- Write a fifty-five-cent check, for example.0.55 which Zero dollars and 55/100
You may have noted that the previous example cost less than a dollar. Using a zero to indicate that there aren’t any dollars on a check for less than a full dollar. After that, just as in the other cases, have the number of cents. If you prefer, you can write “No dollars and…”.
The two-dollar example may be perplexing as well. If there isn’t another number to use, just write a zero (or double zero). Some people will write “two dollars only” instead of “two dollars.” That’s great, too.
Fewer ways of how to write a check in cents
Do you want to make it any better for yourself? Reduce the number of checks you use, or have your bank write them for you.
You can set up automatic payments or pay whenever you like with online bill payment. If necessary, your bank can pay electronically, or you can print and mail a check.
Many checking accounts provide this service for free, and you can submit payments to both companies and individuals.
Merchants and online stores accept debit cards. Your debit card, like a check, draws money from your checking account. To reduce the risk of mistakes and fraud entering your checking account, it might be better to use credit cards for daily purchases. 2
Payment services that allow you to send money to friends and family for free are known as peer-to-peer (P2P). Those systems electronically withdraw funds from your bank account, so you’ll have a record of any transaction.
