How Many Zeros in a Squillion?
By Vinitha Published Updated
How many zeros in a squillion? A squillion has no defined number of zeros — it is an informal, playful term for an indeterminate, very large quantity. It is used in casual speech — more commonly in British and Australian English than American English — to convey "an uncountably large amount." Some humorous definitions associate squillion with 10100 (a googol), but this is a joke, not a standard definition. Zeros in a googolplex covers why a googolplex cannot be written out alongside the age of the universe comparison.
A squillion has
—
zeros
- Written Form
- No specific value
- Scientific
- N/A
Is Squillion a Real Number?
No — squillion is not a real number. Real large numbers like million (106), googol (10100), or centillion (10303) have precise mathematical definitions. Squillion has none.
The difference is that googol was coined by a mathematician (Milton Sirotta) and given a specific, agreed value. Squillion was coined informally and given no value at all. More on why a zillion has no fixed value: how many zeros in a zillion.
| Term | Real? | Zeros |
|---|---|---|
| Googol | Yes — coined 1920, defined as 10100 | 100 |
| Centillion | Yes — 10303 | 303 |
| Squillion | No — no definition | Undefined |
How Many Zeros Does a Squillion Have?
Since squillion is undefined, it has no specific zero count. When people ask "how many zeros in a squillion," the honest answer is that there is no answer — or rather, "as many as the speaker intends."
Why Informal Number Words Like Squillion Exist
- Purpose
- Signal "an enormous quantity" without knowing or caring about the exact number
- Mechanism
- Borrow the credibility of the real "-illion" series, attach a nonsense prefix
These words work in conversation precisely because they are vague — saying "a squillion" is a rhetorical move, not a mathematical claim.
- Squillion, zillion, gazillion, jillion, bazillion — all undefined
- All borrow credibility from real "-illion" numbers
- None appear in any mathematical or SI standard
Watch: How Many Zeros in a Squillion?
Squillion is informal slang, not a real number. This short video explains why "squillion" has no official zero count.
Zeros in a Squillion: FAQ
Is squillion a real number?
Quick answer
No — it has no agreed mathematical value, unlike googol or centillion.
Where is "squillion" used most?
Quick answer
British and Australian English, more than American English. For more on 1940s American English slang, see zeros in a jillion.
Does squillion equal a googol?
Only as an informal joke — there's no standard definition tying squillion to 10100 or any other value.
What's the difference between googol and squillion?
Googol was coined by a mathematician and given a precise value; squillion was coined informally and given none.
What real number should replace "squillion" for precision?
Any formally defined number — million through centillion, or googol for something enormous — depending on the scale you actually mean.
About the Author
Designer and Developer · Palakkad, Kerala, India
Vinitha holds a bachelor's degree in Textile and Apparel Design from Avinashilingam University, plus a C-Tech certificate in Graphic Design from Image Creative Education. She builds free, no-clutter reference tools like How Many Zeros. Read her full bio.