Writing decimal numbers in French

The way French expresses decimal numbers is slightly different to how this is expressed in English.

Learn how to write decimal numbers in French

Look at these numbers:

19,9919.99

18 000,9918,000.99

16,4516.45

5.000,105,000.10

In French, commas are used where decimal points are in English!

If the value is a price in euros, you may write the Euro sign (€) in place of the decimal point:

5€67  €5.67

5,67€€5.67

Note that both spellings are pronounced the same, with the currency said in place of the comma.

ATTENTION:
This does not apply to other currencies, with which the currency sign is written after the price:

(To pronounce prices, the currency is placed where the comma is.)

66,50 ££ 66.50

20 000 $$ 20,000

56,25 $$ 56.25

Spaces are used to separate thousands instead of commas (sometimes but rarely you may see periods/full stops used) :

99 99999,999
99.99999,999
6 789,156,789.15
6.789,156,789.15

Pronunciation: 

When it comes to decimal numbers, you pronounce the comma (virgule), except in case of currency, when you insert the currency (here, euros) in-between the integer and the decimal.

Want to make sure your French sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Examples and resources

5€67  €5.67
5,67€€5.67
45,50€€45.50
16,4516.45
18 000,9918,000.99
5.000,105,000.10
99 99999,999
99.99999,999
56,25 $$ 56.25
66,50 ££ 66.50
20 000 $$ 20,000
6 789,156,789.15
6.789,156,789.15
19,9919.99
45€50€ 45.50
Clever stuff happening!