Number Style

Usage and custom determine whether numbers are expressed in the form of figures (for example, 5, 9) or in the form of words (for example, five, nine). Numbers expressed as figures are shorter and more easily understood, yet numbers expressed as words are necessary in certain instances. The following guidelines are observed in expressing numbers in written sentences. Numbers that appear on business formssuch as invoices, monthly statements, and purchase ordersare always expressed as figures.

General Rules
a. The numbers, one through ten, are generally written as words. Numbers above ten are written as figures: The bank had a total of nine branch offices in three suburbs. All 58 employees received benefits in the three categories shown. A shipment of 45,000 light bulbs was sent from two warehouses. b. Numbers that begin sentences are written as words. If a number beginning a sentence involves more than two words, however, the sentence should be written so that the number does not fall at the beginning. Fifteen different options were available in the annuity programs. A total of 156 companies participated in the promotion (not One hundred fifty-six companies participated in the promotion).

Money
Sums of money $1 or greater are expressed as figures. If a sum is a whole dollar amount, omit the decimal and zeros (whether or not the amount appears in a sentence with additional fractional dollar amounts): We budgeted $300 for a digital camera, but the actual cost was $370.96. On the invoice were items for $6.10, $8, $33.95, and $75. Sums less than $1 are written as figures that are followed by the word cents: By shopping carefully, we can save 15 cents per unit.

Dates
In dates, numbers that appear after the name of the month are written as cardinal figures ( 1, 2, 3, etc.). Those that stand alone or appear before the name of a month are written as ordinal figures (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.): The Personnel Practices Committee will meet May 7. On the 5th day of February and again on the 25th, we placed orders. In domestic business documents, dates generally take the following form: January 4, 2009. An alternative form, used primarily in military and foreign correspondence, begins with the day of the month and omits the comma: 4 January 2009.

Clock Time
Figures are used when clock time is expressed with a.m. or p.m. Omit the colon and zeros in referring to whole hours. When exact clock time is expressed with the contraction oclock, either figures or words may be used: Mail deliveries are made at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. At four (or 4) oclock employees begin to leave.

Addresses and Telephone Numbers

a. Except for the number one, house numbers are expressed in figures: 540 Elm Street 17802 Washington Avenue One Colorado Boulevard 2 Highland Street b. Street names containing numbers ten or lower are written entirely as words. For street names involving numbers greater than ten, figures are used: 330 Third Street 3440 Seventh Avenue 6945 East 32nd Avenue 4903 West 23rd Street c. Telephone numbers are expressed with figures. When used, the area code is placed in parentheses preceding the telephone number: Please call us at (818) 347-0551 to place an order. Mr. Sims asked you to call (619) 554-8923, Ext. 245, after 10 a.m.

Related Numbers
Numbers are related when they refer to similar items in a category within the same reference. All related numbers should be expressed as the largest number is expressed. Thus if the largest number is greater than ten, all the numbers should be expressed in figures: Only 5 of the original 25 applicants completed the processing. (Related numbers require figures.) The two plans affected 34 employees working in three sites. (Unrelated numbers use figures and words.) Exxon Oil operated 86 rigs, of which 6 were rented. (Related numbers require figures.) The company hired three accountants, one customer service representative, and nine sales representatives. (Related numbers under ten use words.)

Consecutive Numbers
When two numbers appear consecutively and both modify a following noun, generally express the first number in words and the second in figures. If, however, the first number cannot be expressed in one or two words, place it in figures also ( 120 37-cent stamps). Do not use commas to separate the figures. Historians divided the era into four 25-year periods. (Use word form for the first number and figure form for the second.) We ordered ten 30-page color brochures. (Use word form for the first number and figure form for the second.)

Did the manager request 150 100-watt bulbs? (Use figure form for the first number since it would require more than two words.)

Periods of Time
Seconds, minutes, days, weeks, months, and years are treated as any other general number. Numbers above ten are written in figure form. Numbers below ten are written in word form unless they represent a business concept such as a discount rate, interest rate, or warranty period. This business was incorporated over 50 years ago. (Use figures for a number above ten.) It took three hours to write this short report. (Use words for a number under ten.) The warranty period is limited to 2 years. (Use figures for a business term.)

Ages
Ages are generally expressed in word form unless the age appears immediately after a name or is expressed in exact years and months: At the age of twenty-one, Elizabeth inherited the business. Wanda Tharp, 37, was named acting president. At the age of 4 years and 7 months, the child was adopted.

Round Numbers
Round numbers are approximations. They may be expressed in word or figure form, although figure form is shorter and easier to comprehend: About 600 (or six hundred) stock options were sold. It is estimated that 1,000 (or one thousand) people will attend. For ease of reading, round numbers in the millions or billions should be expressed with a combination of figures and words: At least 1.5 million readers subscribe to the ten top magazines. Deposits in money market accounts totaled more than $115 billion.

Weights and Measurements

Weights and measurements are expressed with figures: The new deposit slip measures 2 by 6 inches. Her new suitcase weighed only 2 pounds 4 ounces. Toledo is 60 miles from Detroit.

Fractions
Simple fractions are expressed as words. Complex fractions may be written either as figures or as a combination of figures and words: Over two thirds of the stockholders voted. This microcomputer will execute the command in 1 millionth of a second. (A combination of words and numbers is easier to comprehend.) She purchased a one-fifth share in the business. (Fractions used as adjectives require hyphens)

Percentages and Decimals

Percentages are expressed with figures that are followed by the word percent. The percent sign (%) is used only on business forms or in statistical presentations: We had hoped for a 7 percent interest rate, but we received a loan at 8 percent. Over 50 percent of the residents supported the plan. Decimals are expressed with figures. If a decimal expression does not contain a whole number (an integer) and does not begin with a zero, a zero should be placed before the decimal point: The actuarial charts show that 1.74 out of 1,000 people will die in any given year. Inspector Norris found the setting to be .005 inch off. (Decimal begins with a zero and does not require a zero before the decimal point.) Considerable savings will accrue if the unit production cost is reduced 0.1 percent. (A zero is placed before a decimal that neither contains a whole number nor begins with a zero.)
Quick ChartExpression of Numbers Use Words Use Figures

Numbers ten and under Numbers at beginning of sentence Ages Fractions

Numbers 11 and over Money Dates Addresses and telephone numbers Weights and measurements Percentages and decimals