How Many Zeros in a Squillion?
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. Related: How many zeros in a zillion.
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. Learn more about zeros in a googolplex.
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.
| 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
Zeros in a Squillion: FAQ
Is squillion a real number?
Quick answer
No — it has no agreed mathematical value, unlike googol or centillion. Learn more about bazillion zeros.
Where is "squillion" used most?
Quick answer
British and Australian English, more than American English.
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.