How to Identify the Check Number on a Check

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Plus, learn what the other numbers on your checks mean

Co-authored by Jane Jeong and Elaine Heredia, BA

Last Updated: August 6, 2026 Fact Checked

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Check Number Location

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Other Numbers on a Check

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Checks aren't as common as credit cards, but they're still useful when you need to make a large payment or set up a direct deposit. The check number helps you keep track of your checks, in case you forget who you wrote a check to or need to put a stop on it. This article will help you identify the check number on your checks, as well as explain other numbers you might find on them.

Where is the check number on a check?

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A diagram of a check showing the locations of the check number, routing number, and account number.

The check number is the 3 or 4-digit number in the upper right corner of your checks. You can also find it at the bottom of your checks, to the right of your account number and routing number.

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What is a check number, and where is it located?

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A check number is the small number in the upper right corner of the check. It also appears at the bottom of the check, to the right of your account number. It's typically only 3 or 4 digits long, says personal finance creator Jane Jeong, and it helps you keep track of the checks you're writing.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Jane Jeong
Personal Finance Creator

Expert Interview} If you ever need to look up a check you wrote in the past, the check number will help you or your financial institution find it faster.^{[2]
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- For example, let's say you're balancing your checkbook, and you realize you're missing a check. You can look up the last check number you used in your checkbook, then search for the check number in your checking account history.
  - If your bank provides an image of the check, you can see who you wrote it to and how much it was for.

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What do the other numbers on a check mean?

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Account number (bottom-center) The long number at the bottom of the check, to the left of the check number, is the number for your bank account. Jeong says that it's typically 8-12 digits long depending on the bank, and it tells other financial institutions where to withdraw money from to pay the payee.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Jane Jeong
Personal Finance Creator

Expert Interview} A payee is the person or organization you're writing a check to.^{[4]
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- Avoid writing checks to just anyone! Dishonest people can use your account number and routing number to steal money from you. Only write checks to trusted people, businesses, or organizations to pay for a product or a service, or to donate money.
The 9 digits located to the left of your account number are your financial institution's routing number. The routing number identifies your financial institution to other banks and credit unions, so they know where to find your bank account.^{[5]
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Older checks sometimes have a long number with a dash and a backslash in it. This is called a fractional routing number, and it's another way to express your bank's routing number.^{[6]
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Research source} Most modern checks don't include it anymore because the routing number is already printed at the bottom of the check. However, if your checks have one, it will be located in the upper-right corner under the check number, or in the upper-center portion of the check.

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More Resources About Checks

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Learn how to read, write, order, and deposit paper checks. People use checks more than you might think! Some businesses pay their employees and other important expenses with checks. Many insurance companies still like to send claim payouts via check. Finally, paying with a check lets you avoid the credit or debit card fees that some businesses charge. Regardless of why you need to know about checks, we've got you covered with these resources: