Reading and writing big numbers

Worked example 1

13 246 394

• Groups: 13 | 246 | 394
• 13 → “thirteen million”; 246 → “two hundred forty-six thousand”; 394 → “three hundred ninety-four”.
• Together: thirteen million, two hundred forty-six thousand, three hundred ninety-four.

Worked example 2

7 008 020

• Groups: 7 | 008 | 020
• 7 → “seven million”; 008 → “eight thousand”; 020 → “twenty”.
• Together: seven million, eight thousand, twenty.

Worked example 3

2 500 000 000

• Groups: 2 | 500 | 000 | 000
• 2 → “two billion”; 500 → “five hundred million”; the last two groups are 000, so we say nothing for them.
• Together: two billion, five hundred million. Keza needs 8 zeros.

Numbers from 21 to 99 take a hyphen: forty-six, ninety-four. When you speak, you may also hear “three hundred and ninety-four”. That is fine too.

Worked example 4

“Four million, sixty thousand, seven”

• Millions: 4. Thousands: sixty → 060. Ones: seven → 007.
• Answer: 4 060 007.

Worked example 5

“Twelve billion, three hundred million, five hundred thousand”

• Billions: 12. Millions: 300. Thousands: 500. Ones: not mentioned → 000.
• Answer: 12 300 500 000.