numbers

Spelling out, ordinal numbers, multiple numbers, expressions, large numbers, in proper names, with commas, with symbols, within direct quotations

Spelling out: Spell out whole numbers below 10 (zero through nine). Some exceptions: ages, dates, page numbers, radio call numbers, percentages, money. Spell out a number if it begins a sentence, even if it would normally use a figure (or better, reword the sentence so it doesn’t begin with a number).

Ordinal numbers: Ordinal numbers (first, third, 21st) should be used sparingly. Some examples of appropriate use include annual events, centuries, and grade levels. Do not use ordinals for dates. Spell out ordinal numbers from first through ninth; use figures for ordinal numbers 10th and higher. An exception is legislative districts or geographic districts, such as the 5th District, 10th Ward, etc. If there are several numbers in the same sentence modifying the same kind of item or group, treat them consistently. The Third Annual College Seen Photo Contest was a success. The Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 31, 2008. Several ninth graders took introductory courses at the community college. The 9th and 10th graders went on a joint field trip to the museum.

Multiple numbers: To ensure parallelism, whenever several numbers modify the same kind of item or group within a sentence treat them consistently. If the largest figure is 10 or greater, use figures for all numbers. Of San Diego City College’s 15 scholarship recipients, 4 were men and 11 were women. The Foundation sent three representatives on a trip to visit 110 campuses.

Expressions: Spell out indefinite numerical expressions. This does not include using a specific number preceded by about, approximately, around, or nearly. Sheri had seen it done millions of times. The Endowment will provide $1,000 scholarships to thousands of students each year. The Career Pathway program employs about 350 students each year. 

Large numbers: For numbers 1 million or larger, use a figure (up to two decimal points) and million, billion, etc. There are over 300 million people living in the United States.

In proper names: For business, organization, and government names, follow the entity’s official usage even if it does not follow the rules above. 7-Eleven Stores. Big Ten. Spell out ordinals when denoting governing bodies that are part of a succession. Third Reich. Ninety-third Congress. Second Continental Congress.

With commas: In numbers with four or more digits, use a comma to set off groups of three digits. Exceptions: serial numbers, numbers after the decimal point, military time, radio call numbers, page numbers, addresses, zip codes, and years. 3,567. 1,285,234. ESPN 1320. page 1082.

With symbols: When using symbols with two or more numbers, repeat the symbol. $4-$5. 2’ x 4’. 

Within direct quotations: Spell out all numbers used within direct quotations (people speak in words, not digits). "My team sold three hundred fifty-two tickets for the event last night," said Bryan.

Also see ages, dates, decades, dimensions, grade level, fractions, money, percentages, ratios, and time entries