Number to ordinal words converter
This tool writes English ordinal numbers in words, as used in invitations, reports and formal dates.
Loading the tool…
Processing and privacy: The result is calculated inside your browser and your data is not sent to any server.
How to use it
- Enter number.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
The number is first written as a cardinal, then only the last word changes: one to first, two to second, three to third, five to fifth, eight to eighth, nine to ninth, twelve to twelfth, words ending in y take -ieth, and all others take -th.
Example
Inputs: Number = 21. Result: Ordinal in words: twenty-first; Short form: 21st; Cardinal in words: twenty-one.
Limits and caveats
- Output follows US style with no "and", such as one hundred first.
- Accepts whole numbers from 0 up to 21 digits.
Questions about this tool
Why is 12 written twelfth?
Twelve is irregular: ve is dropped and fth is added. Five to fifth works the same way.
Do all words change in a compound number?
No, only the last word does. 23 becomes twenty-third and twenty stays as it is.
What is the difference between 21st and twenty-first?
They mean the same thing. The first is the numeral form and the second is spelled out, which suits formal writing.