Zero vs. Nought
Both can name the number 0, but “nought” is mainly British while “zero” is broadly standard and is the usual US form. This comparison is about the numeral 0; specialized readings such as “oh” in spoken numbers follow their own conventions.
Both can name the number 0, but “nought” is mainly British while “zero” is broadly standard and is the usual US form.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| general/international wording for the numeral 0 | zero | Use “zero” as the broad/default term. |
| British wording for the numeral 0 | nought | “Nought” is a natural mainly British term for the same number. |
| spoken-number conventions such as saying “oh” | check that convention separately | This page compares the numeral names “zero” and “nought”; other spoken readings are context-specific. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Are you deliberately following British wording for the number 0?
If yes: “Nought” is natural in that British context.
If no: Use “zero” as the broader/default term, including standard U.S. usage.
Caveat: Both words can denote the number 0. The distinction is chiefly regional vocabulary, and this guide does not turn separate spoken-number conventions into errors.
Examples
The count fell to zero.
“Zero” is the broad/default term for the number 0.
The answer is nought.
“Nought” is a mainly British word for the number 0.
Write a zero in the empty box.
“Zero” is the straightforward general label for the numeral.
Further guidance
Core difference
Both can name the number 0, but “nought” is mainly British while “zero” is broadly standard and is the usual US form.
Fast Test
Use “zero” for the broadly international/default term; “nought” is natural in British contexts where that regional wording is intended.
Usage Boundary
This comparison is about the numeral 0; specialized readings such as “oh” in spoken numbers follow their own conventions.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Zero — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for zero as the number 0 and its standard uses.
- Nought — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for mainly UK nought meaning the number 0.