Tamil Numbering System & Classical Numeral Symbols
The Tamil numbering system is based on traditional Indian counting scales (Lakhs and Crores). Classical Tamil literature also utilized unique standalone numeral symbols before international Arabic numerals (0–9) were introduced.
| Digit | Tamil Word (தமிழ் சொல்) | Classical Numeral Symbol | Counting Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ஒன்று | ௧ | One |
| 10 | பத்து | ௰ | Ten |
| 100 | நூறு | ௱ | Hundred |
| 1,000 | ஆயிரம் | ௲ | Thousand |
| 100,000 | லட்சம் | — | One Lakh (100 Thousand) |
| 10,000,000 | கோடி | — | One Crore (10 Million) |
Writing Bank Cheques & Financial Receipts in Tamil
When filling out bank deposit slips, writing cheques, or issuing accounting receipts in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, or Singapore, financial institutions require formal Tamil monetary phrasing:
- Example ₹1,500: ஆயிரத்து ஐந்நூறு ரூபாய் மட்டும் (One Thousand Five Hundred Rupees Only).
- Example ₹25,000: இருபத்தைந்தாயிரம் ரூபாய் மட்டும் (Twenty Five Thousand Rupees Only).
- Suffix Word "மட்டும்": Adding "மட்டும்" at the end of financial words prevents unauthorized alterations on bank cheques (equivalent to "Only" in English).