Let’s write that check.
U.S. DOLLARSAdd a payee, date & memo Optional
City, State ZIP
ORDER OFRecipient’s name
Just copy the green amount fields onto your paper check.
YOUR AMOUNT IN WORDS
“Dollars” is already printed at the end of your check’s amount line.THE PEN-AND-PAPER PART
How to write a check in 6 steps.
To write a check, fill in the date, payee, amount in numbers, amount in words, optional memo, and signature. Follow these six steps, then check that the numbers and words show the same amount.
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1
Write the date.
Write today’s date in the top right. Use a clear format, like October 18, 2026.
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2
Write the payee’s name.
On “Pay to the order of,” write the full name of the person or business you’re paying.
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3
Enter the amount in numbers.
Write the amount in the small dollar box, including two digits for cents. Like $1,250.50.
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4
Write the amount in words.
Copy the words from the preview onto the long amount line. Write cents as a fraction, like 50/100.
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5
Add a memo (optional).
The memo is optional. Add a reminder like “October rent,” or a reference number if requested.
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6
Sign the check.
After checking everything, sign the bottom right of your paper check with your usual signature.
How to write dollars and cents on a check
Write the dollars in words, then “and” and the cents as a fraction over 100. Include two digits for cents, even when there are none. Here are three examples you can copy.
| Amount box | Amount in words |
|---|---|
| $42.75 | Forty-two and 75/100 |
| $500.00 | Five hundred and 00/100 |
| $1,250.50 | One thousand two hundred fifty and 50/100 |
“Dollars” is usually printed at the end of the amount line. Try your own amount in the live check preview.
A little pen wisdom. Use blue or black ink, draw a line through unused space after the written amount, and make sure both amounts match. Keep a record of the payment and check your available balance.
For U.S. personal checks. Your bank’s layout may vary. Read Chase’s check-writing guide
GLAD YOU ASKED
Check-writing questions, answered.
How do I write a check with cents?
Write the full amount with two decimal places in the number box. On the words line, write the dollar amount in words, then “and” and the cents over 100. For $42.75, write “Forty-two and 75/100” before the printed word “Dollars.”
How do I write a check with no cents?
Use .00 in the number box and 00/100 on the words line. For a $500 check, write “Five hundred and 00/100.” This makes it clear that the check includes zero cents.
Should I write “and” after “hundred”?
This tool uses the common U.S. style: “One hundred twenty-five and 50/100.” It saves “and” for the cents, so the dollar amount stays clear.
Can I print or cash the preview?
The preview is a visual guide to copy onto a real check issued for your account. It has no bank account or routing information and cannot be cashed or used for payment. Always sign your actual paper check yourself.
Is my check information saved?
Your amount, payee and memo are processed in this browser tab. We don’t send these fields to a server, save them to browser storage, or include them in the page URL. Refreshing resets the tool. The Copy words button places only the written amount on your device’s clipboard. See our for hosting and advertising information.
What if I make a mistake on my paper check?
For an amount or payee mistake, the clearest option is to write “VOID” across the check, record it as voided, and start with a new check. If you’ve already given the check to someone, contact your bank about the next steps.