Formatting Numbers

Spell out numbers one through nine in text, except when the number is a ratio, unit of measure, percentage, etc. Use numerals for numbers greater than nine, except when they begin a sentence. If spelling out a number larger than nine, use hyphens as appropriate (e.g., ninety-nine). Only use numerals in tables.

 

Examples:

• 9 inches

• 5 miles

• 10%

• six children

• 10 cats

• 0.5 inch

• 1/2 cup

• Sixty-four people attended the conference.

 

Filed under: Numbers

If You Memorize One Thing

Make it this:

When you are giving a range, between goes with and, and from goes with to. 

BAD: The results were between 3,000 to 14,000.

GOOD: The results were between 3,000 and 14,000.

GOOD: The results ranged from 3,000 to 14,000.

This is a frequent mistake and one that is very easy to correct.

Filed under: Numbers, Word Choice