Zeroes or Zeros: Which Spelling Is Correct Today?

You are writing an email. You type “add two zeroes.” Then you stop. Should it be zeroes or zeros? This small spelling choice causes big confusion.

Many writers, students, bloggers, and professionals search for this answer every day.

The confusion happens because both spellings exist. You may see zeros in math books and zeroes in novels. Spell-check may accept both.

Some teachers say one is right. Others say both are correct. This makes people unsure.

The truth is simple. Both spellings are correct. But one is more common today. Your choice depends on audience, region, and writing style.

This guide will explain everything clearly. You will learn the correct spelling, origin, British vs American usage, and real examples. By the end, you will know exactly when to use zeroes or zeros with confidence.

Zeroes or Zeros – Quick Answer

Both zeroes and zeros are correct plural forms of zero.

Zeros → Most common modern spelling
Zeroes → Older spelling, still correct but less common

Examples

Math example:
“The number 100 has two zeros.” ✅ (preferred)
Writing example:
“The score showed three zeroes.” ✅ (correct but less common)
Digital example:
“Add extra zeros to increase value.” ✅

Quick tip: Use zeros in most cases today.

The Origin of Zeroes or Zeros

The word zero comes from Arabic. It came from the word ṣifr, meaning empty or nothing. It moved into Italian as zero, then into English in the 1600s.

English later added plural forms. Normally, English adds -s to make plurals:

book → books
car → cars
zero → zeros

But sometimes English adds -es, especially for words ending in -o:

hero → heroes
potato → potatoes

Because of this rule, both zeroes and zeros developed.

Over time, usage changed. Modern dictionaries like Merriam‑Webster and Oxford English Dictionary accept both spellings.

However, zeros became more popular because it is simpler and faster to write.

British English vs American English Spelling

Both British and American English accept zeroes and zeros. But modern usage prefers zeros in both regions.

General pattern

American English → strongly prefers zeros
British English → accepts both, but prefers zeros
Modern global English → prefers zeros

Comparison Table

Feature	Zeros	Zeroes
Correct spelling	Yes	Yes
Modern usage	Very common	Less common
American English	Preferred	Rare
British English	Preferred	Sometimes used
Formal writing	Preferred	Acceptable
Math and science	Preferred	Rare
Older literature	Less common	More common

Example comparison

Region	Example sentence
United States	“The code contains four zeros.”
United Kingdom	“The number has three zeros.”

Conclusion: Both regions prefer zeros today.

Which Spelling Should You Use?

Your choice depends on your audience.

Use “zeros” if:

You write for global readers
You write math, science, or technical content
You write business emails
You write blogs or websites
You write academic papers

Example:
“The total added three zeros to the amount.”

Use “zeroes” if:

You follow older writing style
You write creative or historical content
You want traditional spelling style

Example:
“The scoreboard showed three zeroes.”

Best advice by audience

Audience	Recommended spelling
Global audience	Zeros
US audience	Zeros
UK audience	Zeros
Students	Zeros
Bloggers	Zeros
Formal writing	Zeros

Simple rule: Use zeros in modern writing.

Common Mistakes with Zeroes or Zeros

Many writers make small mistakes. Here are common errors and corrections.

Mistake 1: Thinking only one spelling is correct

❌ Wrong: Only zeros is correct
✅ Correct: Both zeros and zeroes are correct

Mistake 2: Using zero’s for plural

❌ Wrong: Add two zero’s
✅ Correct: Add two zeros

Apostrophe is not used for plural.

Mistake 3: Mixing spelling in same document

❌ Wrong:
“The number has three zeroes and two zeros.”

✅ Correct:
“The number has three zeros.”

Be consistent.

Mistake 4: Using zeroes in technical writing

❌ Less preferred: Add three zeroes to value
✅ Better: Add three zeros to value

Zeroes or Zeros in Everyday Examples

Here are real-life examples.

Email example

Correct:

“Please add two zeros to the final price.”

Business example

Correct:

“The company added extra zeros to revenue this year.”

News example

Correct:

“The population number includes several zeros.”

Social media example

Correct:

“My bank balance has too many zeros!”

Academic example

Correct:

“Binary numbers use only ones and zeros.”

Formal writing example

Correct:

“Trailing zeros do not change the value.”

Zeroes or Zeros – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search and usage data show clear results. Modern English prefers zeros.

According to data from Google Trends:

Zeros is searched more often worldwide
Zeroes is searched less often
Zeros dominates in education, math, and business

Popularity by region

Country	Most used spelling
United States	Zeros
United Kingdom	Zeros
Canada	Zeros
Australia	Zeros
India	Zeros
Pakistan	Zeros

Why zeros is more popular

Reasons include:

Shorter spelling
Easier typing
Preferred in schools
Used in digital writing
Used in technical fields

Conclusion: Zeros is the global standard today.

Comparison Table: Zeroes vs Zeros

Feature	Zeros	Zeroes
Correct spelling	Yes	Yes
Modern popularity	Very high	Lower
Used in math	Yes	Rare
Used in business	Yes	Rare
Used in blogs	Yes	Rare
Used in old literature	Sometimes	Yes
Recommended today	Yes	Optional

FAQs About Zeroes or Zeros

1. Is zeros or zeroes correct?

Both are correct. But zeros is more common today.

2. Which spelling is modern?

Zeros is the modern and preferred spelling.

3. Do dictionaries accept both?

Yes. Major dictionaries accept both spellings.

4. Which spelling should students use?

Students should use zeros.

5. Is zeroes wrong?

No. It is correct, but less common.

6. Which spelling is used in math?

Math and science use zeros.

Example:
“100 has two zeros.”

7. Which spelling should bloggers use?

Bloggers should use zeros because it is modern and global.

Conclusion

The confusion between zeroes or zeros is common, but the answer is simple. Both spellings are correct. They are accepted by dictionaries and used in English.

However, modern English strongly prefers zeros. It is shorter, easier, and more common worldwide. Schools, businesses, bloggers, and professionals use zeros in most writing. It is the safest and best choice.

The spelling zeroes is older. It still appears in literature and traditional writing. But it is less common today. Using it is not wrong, but it may look outdated.

If you write for a global audience, always use zeros. It is clear, modern, and professional. Consistency is also important. Choose one spelling and use it throughout your document.

Now you can confidently use zeroes or zeros correctly in emails, blogs, academic writing, and everyday communication.