Installment vs. Instalment — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 26, 2023
Installment is the American spelling, referring to a single payment of a larger total amount. Instalment is the British spelling of the same concept.
Difference Between Installment and Instalment
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Installment, with two "l"s, is the American variant of the word, and you'll commonly find it in writings and financial contexts within the United States. Instalment, with one "l", is the British version and is standard in the UK, as well as many other countries that use British English. Both words essentially have the same meaning and use.
In a financial context, when someone buys a product or service on credit, they might pay for it in parts or portions; each of these portions is an Installment (in American English) or an Instalment (in British English). While the spelling varies, the function and implication of the word remain consistent across both versions of English.
When reading an American financial document or contract, you'll likely come across "installment plan" or "monthly installments." In contrast, in a British context, it might read "instalment plan" or "monthly instalments." Regardless of the spelling, both terms refer to the act of dividing a sum into smaller amounts to be paid at intervals.
Comparison Chart
Spelling
Uses two "l"s.
Uses one "l".
Region of Use
Primarily in American English.
Primarily in British English and its derivatives.
ADVERTISEMENT
Meaning
A part payment of a total amount.
A part payment of a total amount.
Example Usage
"Installment plan"
"Instalment plan"
Beyond Finance
Can refer to a part of a series (e.g., books).
Can refer to a part of a series (e.g., books).
Compare with Definitions
Installment
Installment can mean a part of a series, like a TV show.
The next Installment of the series airs tomorrow.
Instalment
Instalment suggests a segment of a larger story or narrative.
Readers eagerly anticipated the final Instalment.
Installment
Installment refers to a single payment as part of a larger total amount.
He made the first Installment of his car loan.
Instalment
Instalment refers to a single payment as part of a larger total sum.
He missed the last Instalment on his mortgage.
Installment
One of a number of successive payments in settlement of a debt.
Instalment
Instalment can denote a part of a series, like chapters in a book.
The second Instalment of the novel was even better.
Installment
A portion of something, such as a publication, issued at intervals.
Instalment
Instalment can represent one of several equal payments over time.
She paid for the trip in several Instalments.
Installment
A chapter or part of a literary work presented serially.
Instalment
Instalment means a recurring contribution or payment.
He set up monthly Instalments for the subscription.
Installment
One of a series of parts, whether equal or unequal to the other parts of the series, of a given entity or a given process, which part presents or is presented at a particular scheduled interval.
Instalment
A sum of money due as one of several equal payments for something, spread over an agreed period of time
The purchase price is paid in instalments
The first instalment of a grant for housing
Installment
One member of a series of portions of a debt or sum of money, which portions may or may not be equated (depending in part on whether the interest rate is fixed or variable), payment of which portions are serially exacted at regularly scheduled intervals toward satisfaction of the total. Payments of installments are generally mensual, quarterly, triannual, biannual, or annual.
Instalment
Any of several parts of something which are published, broadcast, or made public in sequence at intervals
Filming the final instalment in his Vietnam trilogy
Installment
A part of a published or broadcast serial.
Instalment
The process of installing something; installation
Instalment will begin early next year
Installment
The act of installing; installation.
Instalment
One of a number of successive payments in settlement of a debt.
Installment
(obsolete) The seat in which one is placed.
Instalment
A portion of something, such as a publication, issued at intervals.
Installment
The act of installing; installation.
Take oaths from all kings and magistrates at their installment, to do impartial justice by law.
Instalment
A chapter or part of a literary work presented serially.
Installment
The seat in which one is placed.
The several chairs of order, look, you scour; . . . Each fair installment, coat, and several crestWith loyal blazon, evermore be blest.
Instalment
Alternative spelling of installment
Installment
A portion of a debt, or sum of money, which is divided into portions that are made payable at different times; that portion of a debt payed back in any one payment; as, the next installment is due January first. Payment by installment is payment by parts at different times, the amounts and times being often definitely stipulated.
Instalment
A part of a broadcast serial
Installment
A part of a broadcast serial.
Instalment
A part of a published serial
Installment
A part of a published serial.
Instalment
The act of installing something (as equipment);
The telephone installation took only a few minutes
Installment
A payment of part of a debt; usually paid at regular intervals
Installment
A part of a broadcast serial
Installment
A part of a published serial
Installment
The act of installing something (as equipment);
The telephone installation took only a few minutes
Installment
Installment can signify a segment of a longer narrative.
She eagerly awaited the next Installment of the story.
Installment
Installment can denote any of several equal amounts spread out over time.
The sofa was bought in three monthly Installments.
Installment
Installment can imply a periodic contribution.
He pledged to donate in yearly Installments.
Common Curiosities
Is the meaning of Instalment different in British English?
No, the meaning is the same; only the spelling differs.
Which spelling is used in Australia: Installment or Instalment?
Australia primarily uses British English, so "Instalment" is more common.
Can I use Instalment in an American financial document?
While understandable, it's best to use "Installment" to maintain American English consistency.
Is Installment a commonly used term in American finance?
Yes, "Installment" is frequently used in American financial contexts.
What's the primary difference between Installment and Instalment?
Installment is the American spelling, while Instalment is the British spelling.
Is it wrong to use Instalment in American English?
It's not "wrong", but it's non-standard and might be seen as a spelling error.
Can Installment refer to periodic contributions?
Yes, an Installment can refer to any periodic payment or contribution.
How many "l"s are in the British spelling Instalment?
Instalment, the British spelling, has one "l".
How can I remember the difference between Installment and Instalment?
Think of the double "l" in Installment as representing America's two coasts.
Can Installment be used to describe a series of books?
Yes, Installment can refer to a part of a series, like a book or show.
Does Installment always refer to money?
No, it can also refer to parts of a series or narrative, among other things.
Which countries use the spelling Instalment?
Countries that use British English, like the UK, Australia, and South Africa, use "Instalment."
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Relevance vs. Relevancy
Next Comparison
Enough vs. SufficientAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
