text: in the old british system, 1 million = 1*10^6 or 1000000\nand a 1 milliard = 1*10^9 or 1000000000\nso 1 billiion=1*10^12 or 1000000000000\n\nin the metric system,\n\n1 million=1*10^6 or 1000000\n1 billion=1*10^9 or 1000000000\n\nIts been unified now, and the milliard unit discarded. Not entirely sure why, but its probably to do with non british wealthy types wanting to sound wealthier... or something :-)