Fractional Routing Number: How to Decode and Convert It to a 9-Digit Number
Fractional Routing Number Converter: What It Is and How to Use It
If you have ever looked at the bottom of your check, you may have noticed a series of numbers printed in a special font. These numbers are called routing numbers, and they are essential for identifying your bank and processing your transactions. But did you know that there are two types of routing numbers on your check? One is a 9-digit number that is usually located between two symbols that look like colons (::). The other is an 8- or 10-digit number that is usually located above or below the first one. This is called a fractional routing number, and it has a different format and purpose than the 9-digit one. In this article, we will explain what a fractional routing number is, how to convert it to a 9-digit routing number, and why it is useful.
Fractional Routing Number Converter
Here is an example of a check with both types of routing numbers:
:123456789: 16-49-6/1220 0000123456 ----------- ------------ ---------- ABA # Fractional # Account #
The ABA # is the 9-digit routing number, and the Fractional # is the fractional routing number. The Account # is your personal account number.
What is a Fractional Routing Number?
A fractional routing number is an 8- or 10-digit number in an XX-YYYY/ZZZZ format that is used to determine the origin of the check and validate it. The meaning of each part of the fractional routing number is as follows:
XX: Prefix city (optional). This indicates the closest Federal Reserve Bank branch to the issuing bank. It is no longer required and not used in the calculation of the 9-digit routing number.
YYYY: Institution ID (required). This identifies the issuing bank or depository institution. It is unique only within the Fed bank series (the denominator). It determines digits 5-8 of the 9-digit routing number.
ZZZZ: Fed bank code (required). This indicates the type of institution and the reserve bank that processes the transactions. It determines digits 1-4 of the 9-digit routing number.
6: Issuing branch number (optional). This shows the specific branch of the issuing bank. It is rarely used and does not affect the calculation of the 9-digit routing number.
The fractional routing number was originated by the American Bankers Association (ABA) in 1911, and it was used before the advent of magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) machines in the late 1950s. MICR machines can read the magnetic ink on checks and process them faster and more accurately. Nowadays, most checks have both types of routing numbers, but only the 9-digit one is used for electronic transactions.
How to Convert a Fractional Routing Number to a 9-Digit Routing Number
If you want to convert a fractional routing number to a 9-digit routing number, you need to follow an algorithm that uses simple arithmetic operations. Here are the steps for converting a fractional routing number:
Identify the Fed bank code (the denominator) and write it down.
Add leading zeros if necessary to make it four digits long.
Identify the institution ID (the numerator) and write it down.
Add leading zeros if necessary to make it four digits long.
Concatenate (join) both numbers together. This will give you digits 1-8 of the 9-digit routing number.
Add up all odd-positioned digits (1st, 3rd, etc.) in this eight-digit number and multiply by three.
Add up all even-positioned digits (2nd, 4th, etc.) in this eight-digit number.
Add up both sums from steps six and seven.
Subtract this sum from the next highest multiple of ten. This will give you digit nine of your nine-digit routing number.
Let's see an example with screenshots:
We want to convert this fractional routing number: 16-49-6/1220
Step one: Identify the Fed bank code (the denominator) and write it down: 1220
Step two: Add leading zeros if necessary to make it four digits long: 1220
Step three: Identify the institution ID (the numerator) and write it down: 16-49
Step four: Add leading zeros if necessary to make it four digits long: 1649
Step five: Concatenate both numbers together: 12201649
This gives us digits one through eight of our nine-digit routing number.
Step six: Add up all odd-positioned digits in this eight-digit number and multiply by three:
1 + 2 + 1 + 4 = 8 8 x 3 = 24
Step seven: Add up all even-positioned digits in this eight-digit number:
2 + 0 + 6 + 9 =17
Step eight: Add up both sums from steps six and seven:
24 +17 =41
Step nine: Subtract this sum from the next highest multiple of ten:
50 -41 =9
This gives us digit nine of our nine-digit routing number.
The final result is: 122016499
This is our converted nine-digit routing number from our original fractional routing number.
If you don't want to do these calculations manually, you can use a free online tool that can convert fractional routing numbers automatically. One such tool is FindRoutingNumbers.com , which also provides other useful information about routing numbers. Here is how it looks like:
Benefits of Using a Fractional Routing Number Converter
You may wonder why you need to use a fractional routing number converter when you already have a nine-digit routing number on your check. There are several benefits of using a fractional routing number converter, such as:
You can find the name and location of your issuing bank by using your converted fractional routing number. You can use a tool like Lane Guide to look up the bank name and address by entering the fractional routing number.
You can avoid errors and delays in processing your transactions by using the correct routing number. Sometimes, banks may change their routing numbers due to mergers, acquisitions, or relocations. If you use an outdated routing number, your transaction may be rejected or delayed. By using a fractional routing number converter, you can ensure that you are using the most current routing number for your bank.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a fractional routing number is an 8- or 10-digit number in an XX-YYYY/ZZZZ format that is used to identify the issuing bank and the reserve bank of a check. It can be converted to a 9-digit routing number by following an algorithm that uses simple arithmetic operations. Using a fractional routing number converter can help verify the accuracy of a routing number, find the name and location of the issuing bank, and avoid errors and delays in processing transactions. We hope this article has helped you understand what a fractional routing number is and how to use it. If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about fractional routing numbers:
What is the difference between a fractional routing number and a 9-digit routing number?
A fractional routing number is an 8- or 10-digit number in an XX-YYYY/ZZZZ format that is used to identify the issuing bank and the reserve bank of a check. A 9-digit routing number is a standard format that is used for electronic transactions. Both types of routing numbers are usually printed on checks, but only the 9-digit one is used for online banking.
Where can I find my fractional routing number?
You can find your fractional routing number on your check, usually above or below the 9-digit routing number. You can also use a tool like FindRoutingNumbers.com to convert your 9-digit routing number to a fractional routing number.
How do I know if my fractional routing number is correct?
You can check if your fractional routing number is correct by converting it to a 9-digit routing number and comparing it with the one on your check. If they match, then your fractional routing number is correct. If they don't match, then there may be an error or fraud. You can use a tool like FindRoutingNumbers.com to convert your fractional routing number automatically.
Why do I need to use a fractional routing number converter?
You may need to use a fractional routing number converter for several reasons, such as verifying the accuracy of your 9-digit routing number, finding the name and location of your issuing bank, and avoiding errors and delays in processing transactions. Using a fractional routing number converter can help you ensure that you are using the correct and current routing number for your bank.
What are some free online tools that can convert fractional routing numbers?
Some free online tools that can convert fractional routing numbers are FindRoutingNumbers.com , Lane Guide , and PocketSense . These tools can also provide other useful information about routing numbers, such as bank name, address, type, and status.
: https://www.laneguide.com/FindRoutingNumbers/%28X%281%29S%28wi1nwfvswqsiqypdqobxweoz%29%29/default.aspx : https://laneguide.com/FindRoutingNumbers/fractional.aspx : https://pocketsense.com/how-to-arrange-and-check-a-fractional-routing-number-13648732.html