Could I spell 1 000 000 000 000 000 000 as one billion billion?

Question

I'm trying to understand numerals spelling. So, could I spell 1 000 000 000 000 000 000 as "one billion billion"?

In what context would you need such huge number? – James K Nov 20 '19 at 19:34 — James K, Nov 20 '19 at 19:34

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 20 '19 at 14:35

Yes. Although there is a "official" number for that (Quintillion or Trillion, depending on the region) that you would use in scientific papers and official reports billion billion is somewhat more relatable.

As such has a place in unofficial writing and things intended for the kind of people who might not know what a quintillion is.

score 3 · Answer 2 · answered Dec 09 '19 at 15:25

Using "billion billion" is not incorrect, but this expressions may be difficult to grasp or understand quickly. It may be good for giving a general idea or for impressing people.

More descriptive terms/phrases you can consider are

Ten to the 18th power
One followed by 18 zeros
ExaOPS (see Exascale computing, Exa- prefix)

score 1 · Answer 3 · edited Dec 10 '19 at 03:28

1

Yes, although one quintillion is the correct wording. (A quintillion is 1 followed by 18 zeros.)

edited Dec 10 '19 at 03:28

J.R.

109,547
9
164
291

answered Dec 09 '19 at 15:11

abby

11
1

score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Dec 10 '19 at 13:06

0

It would be one billion billions. Not one billion billion.

answered Dec 10 '19 at 13:06

gnasher729

3,841
14
12

Could I spell 1 000 000 000 000 000 000 as one billion billion?

4 Answers4