How to Write USD Amount in Words (Full Explanation)

When you’re writing about dollars, there are a few different style formats you need to know about. This article will explore some of the ways you can include dollars or USD in your writing. We’ll touch on all the formal choices there are.

How to Write USD Amount in Words

When writing dollar amounts, you can use “USD 100,” “$100,” or “US $100”. These are the most common ways to write dollars with symbols and numbers. You may also find that “100 dollars” works well, where “dollars” is included after the number indicated.

When it comes to writing dollars out like this, there are no specific rules that say one way works better than the other. Nothing mentions that some are more formal than others.

It’s mainly a stylistic choice. Some people would use “US $100,” while others would go for “$100 US.” It really depends on what you like more.

One rule that you must stick to is consistency. If you write dollars in one particular format, you should make sure to use that format every time afterward as well. Consistency will make it much clearer and more “professional” for the reader.

Using the Dollar Sign

You can use the dollar sign in formal and informal writing. If you use it, you can use it like this “$100,” “US $100,” or “$100 US.” It’s up to you to determine which form looks the best for you. They all work well, and the dollar is clearly highlighted.

The dollar sign works in these situations:

I’m going to need to ask for $40 from you, I’m afraid.
This will cost US $10. I know that’s quite cheap, so I’m hoping you can afford it.

She mentioned that it would cost $500 US. Is that true?

Don’t worry; it’s set at $1,000 US for a reason. We’ll get this sorted.

Using the Dollar Code

You can use the dollar code (USD) before or after the value of dollars you’re using. It’s common for people to include “USD” after the monetary value informally or when talking about how much they have. It comes before in formal situations, like handling the stock market.

These examples will show you where the dollar code can go in your writing:

I don’t have 100 USD to give you right now. Is there nothing else I can do about that?
USD 400 is the asking price. If you can’t manage that, then I’m afraid you can’t afford this.

I want 150 USD from you by tomorrow morning. I need that money.

Using the Word

You can use “dollars” in your writing with either letters or numbers. It’s more stylistically appropriate to write out your numbers in the long form if you’re going to write dollars as well (i.e. “sixty dollars” rather than “60 dollars”).

There’s nothing wrong with using numbers with “dollars,” but it’s slightly more informal. You should only use it in this form when you’re dealing with particularly large or complicated numbers (like “1,345 dollars”).

Here are some examples to show you how to use the word:

Sixty dollars are coming my way because of all my hard work. I hope it’s enough for me.
I think you said it was going to be 100 dollars. I know there were some things in there that needed clearing up.
One thousand dollars is a lot of money. I’ll have to move some things around before I decide anything.

How to Write USD Amount in Words with Cents

You can write USD amounts in words with cents as well. Generally, you can follow all of the usual style formats. You just need to include a decimal place for the cent. That means “US $10.50,” “10.50 USD,” and “$10.50” all work well in your writing.

Just like before, it comes down to personal preference. It’s up to you to determine which form looks the best. You just have to make sure you stick to it when you decide on one of them.

I’m going to lend you $40.31 exactly. I expect all of it back by Sunday.
She wanted me to give her US $5.50, so I parted ways with the money.
I’m not sure if this was supposed to be $2.35 US, but I’ll take it.

I will be able to help you with 15.12 USD. That’s all I have in my wallet.

How to Write the Dollar Sign in Canada

If you use Canadian dollars, you have three main options. You can use the dollar sign (as long as you specify it’s Canadian with “CA”). You may use the dollar code (which is CAD). You can also use “Canadian dollars” if you’re writing the word out in the long form.

These examples will show you the best practices for Canadian dollars:

That will be CA $10 for today.
You wanted $40 CA for this, right? I can get that for you soon.

I think she said it was going to be 400 CAD.
I told you to use all of your Canadian dollars to get this one sorted out!

How to Write the Dollar Sign in Australia

For Australian dollars, you can use the dollar sign with the code “AU” to make sure you’re establishing the currency. You may also use “AUD,” which is the dollar code for the Australian dollar. It’s possible to write “Australian dollar” in the long form as well.

Here are some examples to show you how Australian dollars work:

She wanted to spend AU $1.500 on a new washing machine.

I’m not spending over $2,000 AU on this thing. It’s not worth it.
I’m not going to give you 450 AUD without a good reason for it.
Stop asking for sixty Australian dollars. I really don’t have the money right now.

Final Thoughts

When writing dollars, you have many options. Most of them are stylistic choices. You can use “$10,” “US $10,” “$10 US,” “10 USD,” or “USD 10” if you want to stick with codes and symbols. You could also use “ten dollars” if you want to use the word.

Martin Lassen

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.