Numbers

Follow these rules for numbers:

• Spell out numbers up to nine and use numerals for numbers 10 and above.

• When numbers are being compared, always use numerals, regardless of the size of the numbers. There is one exception listed below. (examples: Of the 33 participants, 20 were from Oakland, 10 from Piedmont and 3 from Emeryville. In Oakland 20 to 30 properties will have flying saucers land on their roofs.)

• When the numbers being compared are all below 10, spell them out. (example: In the library three out of four people are looking for books about kangaroos.)

• For spans of numbers, use “to” instead of “-.” (examples: “Five to ten people” or “50 to 60 people”)

• Always spell out numbers that begin a sentence. Reword sentences to avoid beginning with large numbers.

• Use numerals with units of measurement or symbols, such as $73.

• Use decimals, never fractions. If necessary, round to two decimal places, for example 1.99.

• Below 10, spell out first, second, third, fourth, etc, but from ten use 10th, 11th, 12th, etc.

• Use commas to separate numbers of 10,000 and above.