Writing Numbers Les Hanson 2002

Words or Figures? There are no fixed rules for expressing numbers in words or figures Different organizations follow different guidelines, but in general… Use Words for numbers from one to ten to begin a sentence For approximate amounts Use Figures for large numbers to show precision for money, serial numbers, phone numbers, etc.

Use words when expressing Numbers under ten I need seven volunteers. Numbers that begin sentences (Words can have capital letters; figures can’t) Fifteen hands came up. BUT There were 15 volunteers. Simple fractions used in the body of a sentence The job is two-thirds complete.

Use words when expressing Ordinal numbers First, second, third, etc. Don’t use 1st, 2nd , 3rd even in dates Use first, second, third unless space requires the shorthand version Time with the word “o’clock”. I’m leaving at twelve o’clock. BUT He checked in at 11:05 p.m.

Use figures when expressing Numbers over 10 I counted 189 cars in the lot. Measurement 8 ½ by 11 inch paper A 6 percent increase Only use % when space is an issue Money A $4 an hour raise Include the decimal only if cents are shown Then include the decimal for all numbers in the list My meal cost $8.50; yours was $9.00

Use figures when expressing Serial numbers, phone numbers, caption/page numbers, etc. (204) 555-1234 See Figure 4 Page 38 or p 38 (not pg.) Lists containing numbers less than and greater than 10 3 books, 18 pencils, 2 binders Dates Confederation was July 1, 1867 Only use 1st , 2nd, 3rd, 4th, on tables or when space restrictions apply

Use a combination of words and figures when Dealing with very large numbers A population of 29 million Listing two numbers relating to the same thing Five 30-page booklets 150 three-inch nails Use words for the smaller number, but be consistent if working in a list

Interactive Quiz on Numbers Type in the following link or click on the button below to go to a self-marking quiz on numbers http://xnet.rrc.mb.ca/leshanson/Hot_Potato/Numbers.htm