Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Figures or words?
ielts.org says numbers can be written using figures (1, 2) or words (one, two) (ielts.org). IDP's advice for Listening is to write the numeral rather than the full word, because correct spelling is important and a misspelt number word is marked wrong (IDP).
Correct and incorrect forms
From IDP's guide to punctuation and numbers in Listening (IDP) and its guide to avoiding zero scores (IDP). Some conventions in other languages are the reverse of English, which is why these mistakes are common.
| You hear | Correct | Marked wrong |
|---|---|---|
| one thousand | 1,000 | 1.000, 1'000 |
| four and a half | 4.5 | 4,5 |
| ten point seven five | 10.75 | 10,75, 10 point 75 |
| four and a half million | 4.5 million | 4,5 million, 4.5 millions |
| four dollars fifty | $4.50 | 4.50$, $4.5 |
| four dollars five cents | $4.05 | $4.5 |
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Fractions and measurements
Fractions written as words are hyphenated and count as one word. IDP's example: if the instruction is NO MORE THAN ONE WORD, "two-thirds" is the only correct way to write 2/3; "two thirds" is two words, "2 thirds" mixes a number and a word, and "2/3" is not a word (IDP).
For measurements, IDP accepts 60 kilometres, 60 km and 60 kms, as well as the words in full, but again recommends the number form (IDP). Do not add an s to hundred, thousand or million after a specific number (IDP).
Frequently asked questions
Should I write 3,000 or 3.000 in IELTS?+
3,000. IDP says a full stop makes it 'three', which is wrong.
Can I write numbers as words in IELTS Listening?+
Yes, but IDP recommends figures because a misspelt number word is marked wrong.
Do I need to write the currency symbol?+
IDP says to include it if the question does not already show it, and to put it before the number.
Does a number count as a word in the word limit?+
Instructions such as 'TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER' treat the number separately; follow the wording of each task.
Keep reading
Related
- How to write dates and times in IELTS Listening
- Can you use abbreviations in IELTS Listening?
- Form completion question type
- Free IELTS Listening practice
- All 3112 guides
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