How to Sign Numbers 1 to 1 BILLION in British Sign Language (BSL)

Learn how to sign numbers in British Sign Language. In this video, there's two different variations of signing some of the numbers demonstrated. Both versions are acceptable and accurate but their usage will depend on your region.
Not EVERY number up to 1 billion is signed, otherwise the video will be very long! Hopefully through this demonstration, you can see how the numbering system works in BSL and you will be able to sign any number after watching and learning.
A tip to help you with the placement of your hands when signing double digit numbers is to imagine you are placing the numbers in columns. For example, with 23 (twenty three) you would place the 2 in the "tens column" and the 3 in the "ones column".
You may be familiar with regional variations in British Sign Language already. You may also encounter some other variations to the numbering systems we've showed you in this video, but these two systems are very common.

[@tommycarolriggins4812]

I've just recently found myself deaf. I know that sounds weird but my hearing has been failing since I was a child due to undetected cholesteatoma in both ears. They are thankfully now gone after 16 operations. However now I'm trying to do something I should of done a long time ago so I was prepared and that was learn BSL. I just wanted to thank you for the videos. I've learnt a lot from them. I've even learnt how to sign "Now you know numbers. Thanks for watching"!

[@hannahholness4990]

For anyone doing revision, here's a list: 1. 1-10 2. 11-20 3. 21-30 4. 10-100 5. 100-1,000 6. 100,000 - 1,000,000 Hope this helps :)

[@DanielHallLondon]

I am currently working with a deaf team, and these brilliant videos are so useful.

[@janewilkinson7386]

Love your videos Dan, they are so clear and easy to see the signs. Your explanations make it so enjoyable. Please carry on making loads more ❤️👏👏👏👏👍

[@CommandingHands]

Thanks for your feedback, we plan to make lots more! Glad you're enjoying them so far.

[@franmurgatroyd213]

The videos are clear, and easy to repeat and learn from . Good format . Well thought out

[@PureGoldNeverCorrodes]

Time stamps of the two versions for those looking to learn one. (Could you please tell us which version applies to which regions?) _____________ Version A: 0:10 - 0:38 1:07 - 1:47 2:23 - 2:53 _____________ Version B: 0:40 - 1:04 1:50 - 2:19 2:55 - 3:24 _____________ 3:28 Onward is shared I believe.

[@hollyobrien7203]

Thank you x

[@sallynewman7320]

I've so far come across 3 different ways of signing 10, and I'm losing my mind.

[@josyshen2535]

Same here.

[@iaracassama6547]

0:10 1-10 1:07 11-20 2:22 21-30 3:31 10-100 4:18 100-1000 4:56 100,000-100,000,000 6:04 hundred thousand millions billions

[@jaydodds6766]

I thank you for these as I also over the years have no ow only for percent in my right ear left. These videos with my fantastic tutor are giving me all that I need to learn to communicate with fellow deaf people. I now feel that I will be able to communicate with others. Thank you.😊

[@suesmith6721]

These videos are so easy to follow. Learning BSL has been an ambition of mine for such a long time, thank you for doing these!

[@leylamughal8002]

I've just started learning BSL! These videos are so useful, thank you!

[@avoncornish7324]

This is a wonderful video, to the point and with charm. I look forward to learning as much as I can.

[@anesteemedyoungsnake7715]

These videos are great Dan -so worth subscribing to!

[@laurawood8952]

Thanks for doing the videos, they are so clear and helpful! I’ve just started a BSL course and I use these videos as homework!

[@StanWatt.]

Soooo interesting. I. Have wanted to learn BSL for such a long time. Better late than never.

[@Ruthavecflute]

Hi. Thanks so much for doing these videos. I think it would be really usefull if you could give some idea of where the varents are used in videos like this. I know it's probably complicated but maybe you could list some major cities and say which varient is most comman in each? Its tricky as a beginner to know which system to focus on.

[@msv266]

This is so so good!!

[@MER1617]

I found it more comfortable to do the the second option because it’s easier to remember

[@Mariam-us7fb]

Great video once again! Thank you very much!

[@sueharding27]

Great video - I am learning on line and hope to use when lockdown over so I don't know which region I should use. Living in London can you please advise? Thanks

[@CommandingHands]

In London, the version that uses the thumb for 6-9 is more commonly used. Thanks for watching! 🖐️

[@charlottegant4501]

Quick question, for the hundreds, do you have to use the first set of units shown (the ones where the pinky is used) or can you use the other set of units (the one where the thumb is used)? This is an amazing video and has helped me pick up the numbers so quickly!😊👍🏻

[@rizwanijaz2799]

Like your videos Dan, they are so clear and easy to understand. Your explanations brilliant.

[@normafarrow5536]

Love your videos Dan. Enjoy watching.

[@em-so6ou]

You make things so much easier...happy easter🐣🐤xx

[@janewilkinson7386]

Emmie, love your schnauzer ❤️I have a black one.

[@CommandingHands]

Thanks for your feedback :) Happy Easter!

[@daisymayallen]

Hi - I've been loving using your videos to learn BSL over lockdown! I'm living in Yorkshire - which version is more commonly used here? Or is one of them more widely used throughout the country? :) Also, when doing two digit numbers with imagining the "tens" and "ones" columns, would you place them so it's left to right as you're looking at it, or left to right as the person you're signing to would be seeing it?

[@happyplatypus365]

I love your videos! I'm a total beginner and they are so clear and easy to follow ☺️ Can you advise which version East Midlands uses?

[@CommandingHands]

Thank you! We're based in Leicester and it's more common to see the 6 with a little finger. Thanks again 🖐️

[@happyplatypus365]

That's great, thank you! 😊 Also handy since I find that version easier 👍

[@lincimpi1337]

Amazing how little you have to travel for the second one to be used- I live in Lincoln and was taught the 6 with the thumb

[@user-pr7qf7wk2x]

​@@CommandingHands I am in Peterborough, which ones more common there?

[@Harmonys_hearts]

Ive been doing bsl as a small hobby incase i need it for future reasons and i was wondering if from 30-40 is it the same as 21-30?

[@lishadeng4351]

Hi Dan love your videos so much.i am a bit confused from 20,is it from my left shoulder to right when I am doing it?if so the person opposite will see it from right to left.but normally when we read,it’s from left to right.thank you！

[@hollyobrien7203]

Love the video, which one should I use, I live in Liverpool xx

[@blindknitter]

I need to know this too! If I find out I'll tell you.

[@caitlin4975]

Lovely and useful video thank you. I have a question, if you want to sign a specific number e.g 118 do you go… sign for 1> sign for hundred> sign for 18 OR if I want to say 1238 do you go … sign for 1 > sign for thousand > sign for 2 > sign for hundred > sign for 38 and just kind of stack them like that? Much appreciated for any feedback.

[@edwardgrabczewski]

Could you show us the signs for basic arithmetic: adding, subtracting, multiplication, division, powers, roots, different base arithmetic, Laplace transforms (only joking!) etc.

[@lucyhumphrey6012]

Hi, I’ve just found you’ve videos and they’re amazing!!! I live in Hampshire, but have learnt the first version (pinky for 6)- have I learnt the wrong region? Thank you☺️

[@sarahgriffiths3419]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@hannahholness4990]

I was just revising and I was wondering, How do use sign "trillion" etc.? Is it the same concept as million and billion?

[@philippaboosey3687]

Great videos!! My friend has decided to learn BSL for her DofE skill, and I wanted to learn it too so I can communicate with more people and to help her practice haha!!

[@crimsonshadows6328]

What level DofE? When I did bronze (only one I have done) we just learned random things to do with First Aid and map reading.

[@philippaboosey3687]

@@crimsonshadows6328 idk, sorry

[@crimsonshadows6328]

@@philippaboosey3687 All good

[@rosieinparadise]

Great 👍 Thanks Dan 😊

[@mokarina913]

If you interchangeably use the different versions of 6, 7, 8, 10, 1000 will it confuse the other party of the conversation?

[@elliebellie6998]

I don't entirely understand the number ten in the second way to sign numbers 1-10. How are the ten different from the five? Also, how do you sign numbers within hundreds? For example, how do you sign 369? Thank you and keep making videos, they help so much!

[@CommandingHands]

Ten is with a twisting hand motion. Five is without the twist. For larger numbers like 369, you'd sign 3 hundred and as you bring your hand away from your chin, go straight into the sign for 69. Check this video for a receptive quiz on numbers as there's some examples of larger numbers towards the end of the video. Thanks for watching! ✋ kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJjIiaJtmtmDe8U

[@elliebellie6998]

Ok, thanks!

[@samanthacross3523]

When counting do you use your dominant hand? what version is the Midlands please? Love the videos

[@deviouscat1237]

Stamps: 1-10 0:09 11-20 1:06

[@renardmigrant]

You see, I was taught a different, 13, 14, 15 (etc.) to that.

[@lizzyluv96]

I Have to make a decision about which one to go with and it's destroying me

[@cooltroop2]

1:25 sorry Dan could you repeat this one because you dissapeared there for a second????

[@deopsm]

The number two looks a bit rude sign in UK

[@CommandingHands]

You're quite right. Don't worry, it isn't considered rude at all in BSL (when signing numbers at least!) Thanks for watching 🖐️

[@deopsm]

@@CommandingHands I guess so. Thank you you are very good!

[@maxwhite8616]

I thought you were exaggerating when you said 1billion

[@carb_8781]

i can't move my pinky without also moving my ring finger and vice versa 😭

[@nobodyspecial1056]

i won every game of rock paper scissors then

[@dary6848]

b no lin

[@leoberg118]

4:43 This is clearly only '1000' in the south, because it's pointing to yourself and us northerners don't have that kind of money laying around.

[@dary6848]

b sl o na