Numbers and symbols
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Numbers
Evidence shows that numbers written as numerals are easier to read than numbers written as words. Numerals stand out more in text, particularly on screen. Also, numerals are easier to process mentally than words.This means they are better for a wider range of readers and reading skills.
For information on how to use numbers to express time, see Dates and time.
Numerals
Write numbers as numerals (0, 1, 2, 3, etc.), except:
- Proper names (First Baptist Church)
- Titles (Three Men in a Boat)
- Figurative expressions (one day, things will be better)
- Compound words, such as "one-time" or "zero-sum"
Keep Roman numerals when used in proper names, forms and publications.
Place a non-breaking space (Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar) between all numeral and word combinations ($5 million, 20 years).
One and zero
You may need to use judgment in some cases with "1" and "0" in terms of writing it as a numeral or spelling it out.
Depending on the font or context, there is a risk that the numeral "1" could be misread as the letter "l" or the numeral "0" could be misread as the letter "O". If so, then you may need to use the spelled out form for clarity or legibility.
In body text, there is usually no need to use "0" or "zero". It can often be replaced with "no" or "none".
When using tables, use the numerals (0,1) rather than spelling out zero and one.
Examples: Use of "zero" and "one" vs "0" and "1"
Emphasis
If you want to emphasize the number 1 by bolding it, it is best to write the word out in full. A single bolded numeral 1 doesn't stand out.
Write: You must meet one of the following criteria
Don't write: You must meet 1 of the following criteria
Ranges
When using the number 1 in a range, you can avoid using a numeral by writing "up to".
Write: You can select up to 3 of the following choices
Don't write: You can select 1 to 3 of the following choices
Avoiding "zero" and "0"
You can avoid using "zero" or "0" by using "no" or "none".
Write: We received no responses to the survey
Don't write:
- We received 0 responses to the survey
- We received zero responses to the survey
Ordinals
Write first, second, third, and so on, up to and including ninth.
Use the ordinal indicator in the same text size (not in superscript) for numbers 10 and above (10th, 50th, 150th).
Ranges
Use "to" instead of an en dash in number ranges (for example, $4,000 to $10,000, 4 to 10 years).
You do not need to repeat the abbreviation or the symbol if it is separated from the numeral by a space (for example, from 3 to 6 ml, from 10 to 12%).
Ages
Age is usually indicated in numerals. When writing an age range, use a preposition and not a hyphen:
- Adults aged 30 or more
- People 30 to 65 years old
When age is used as a compound noun or as a compound adjective, hyphenate the ages:
- A 10-year-old child
- The program is open to children 12-years-old and younger
Large numbers
Write large numbers using a combination of numerals and words, such as 175 million.
If you must write large numbers as numerals, use commas rather than spaces to separate each thousand, for example 175,000,000 or 25,000.
Decimals
Use a period to present a number with a decimal:
- The supplies budget shows a deficit of $163.32
- According to the survey, 85.5% of respondents agreed with our decision
Columns of numbers
To present a column of numbers:
- Set a right margin and line up your numbers from that margin
- If your numbers include decimals, line them up at the decimal point
- If you have a mix of numbers with and without decimals, add a decimal and zeros to those numbers without decimals to put all numbers in the same format
- Line up numbers that include commas, but do not put a comma in a number that does not require one
- To create a column of currency amounts:
- Put a dollar sign only before the first number in the column and the total amount
- Line up the currency symbol at the beginning and end of the column
For information on presenting numbers in tables, refer to: Tables
Examples: Columns of numbers
Presenting a column of numbers without decimals or commas:
773
819
20
Presenting a column of numbers with decimals:
775.73
819.92
20.00
Presenting a column of numbers with commas:
775,730
181,995
120
Presenting a column of numbers with currency amounts:
$ 775.73
1,819.92
20.00
_________
$2,615.65
Fractions
For simple fractions in text, write out the fraction in words.
- A quarter or one quarter (not ¼)
- Half (not ½)
For a sentence that contains compound fractions, such as 3 3/4, or a sentence that mixes compound and simple fractions, use only numerals.
Symbols
Some symbols make web content more difficult to read while others improve readability. Research whether the symbols are understood by a wide audience before using them.
Ampersand
Spell out the word "and" instead of using an ampersand (&).
Use the ampersand only for proper names when it's part of a company name and in certain abbreviations:
- R&D (research and development)
- O&M (operating and maintenance)
- SR&ED (scientific research and experimental development)
- H&R Block
Percent
Use the percent symbol (%) instead of the word percent, such as 20%. Do not put a space between a number and a percent symbol (%).
Currency
For the Canadian dollar, the dollar sign goes before the number. Do not put a space between a number and the currency notation.
If you need to differentiate between Canadian and foreign currency, use the currency code and symbol for each currency:
- CAN$1,000
- US$1,000
- €5000
- £300
- R$600
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