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Numbers & Data
Ruled slips filed under Numbers & Data.
Numbers & Data§
Spelling Out Numbers Versus Using Figures
CorrectUse words for zero through nine and figures for 10 and above; apply figures for ages, percentages, scores, and other exceptions as outlined in the stylebook.
Common errorMixing spelled-out and figure forms inconsistently within the same category or context, such as writing '9' and '10' in the same sentence or using figures for numbers under 10 in general text.
ExceptionAlways use figures for ages, percentages, scores, and in tables, headlines, and when numbers are used in a technical or mathematical context.
The core rule is straightforward: spell out whole numbers from zero through nine, and use figures for 10 and above.
Numbers & Data§
Percentages and the Percent Sign in Copy
CorrectAttach the sign to the figure with no space: 7%, 7.5%, 100%, and use percentage points when comparing two percentages.
Common errorWriting per cent, putting a space before the sign, or using the sign with a spelled-out number such as seven%.
ExceptionSpell out percent at the start of a sentence, in direct quotations where the speaker said the word, and in casual prose with no numeral.
The working rule is short: use the percent sign with a numeral.
Numbers & Data§
Dates and Times: Formatting for Clarity
CorrectWrite dates as 'Jan. 15, 2024' (abbreviating months with six or more letters), times as '3 p.m.' or '3:30 p.m.' (lowercase, periods, no space before a.m./p.m.), and avoid redundancy like '12 noon' or '12 midnight'.
Common errorWriters often spell out months that should be abbreviated (e.g., 'January 15' instead of 'Jan. 15'), use 'AM' or 'PM' without periods or in uppercase, or add unnecessary zeros to times (e.g., '3:00 p.m.' when '3 p.m.' suffices).
ExceptionIn formal invitations or when a month stands alone without a date, spell out the month (e.g., 'January 2024' or 'the January meeting'). Also, use 'noon' and 'midnight' instead of '12 p.m.' and '12 a.m.'.
The Associated Press Stylebook provides clear guidelines for formatting dates and times to ensure consistency across news copy.
Numbers & Data§
Ages and Scores: When Figures Beat Words
CorrectWrite ages and scores as numerals: 'the 7-year-old', 'won 3-2', 'a 12-6 record'.
Common errorSpelling out ages or scores as words, as in 'the seven-year-old' or 'won three to two'.
ExceptionAges and scores may be spelled out at the start of a sentence or in casual, non-news prose where numerals would look jarring.
The style rule is simple: use figures for ages and scores.