Writing an exact amount that includes cents can be tricky. Whether it is $100.50 or $25.75, there is a specific standard for writing these amounts on a cheque to ensure they are processed correctly.
The Standard Format
The most common and accepted way to write cents on a cheque is as a fraction of 100. For example, if you are writing a cheque for $125.75, you should write:
One hundred twenty-five and 75/100
By writing "75/100," you clearly inform the bank that the amount includes seventy-five cents out of a possible dollar.
Quick Reference Table
Use this table to quickly understand how to transcribe common cent amounts into the fraction format required for cheques:
| Numeric Cents | Cheque Fraction Format |
|---|---|
| $0.01 | 01/100 |
| $0.05 | 05/100 |
| $0.10 | 10/100 |
| $0.25 | 25/100 |
| $0.50 | 50/100 |
| $0.99 | 99/100 |
Common Questions & Tips
- Why the "100"? Because there are 100 cents in a dollar. You are technically writing a fraction of a dollar.
- Don't forget the "and": It separates the whole dollars from the fractional cents.
- Keep it legible: Ensure your fraction is clear and not cramped.
- Match the numbers: Ensure your numeric box (e.g., 125.75) matches exactly what you wrote out in words.