{"id":10901,"date":"2015-08-07T13:57:01","date_gmt":"2015-08-07T11:57:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scribbr.com\/?p=10901"},"modified":"2023-07-23T15:29:22","modified_gmt":"2023-07-23T13:29:22","slug":"numbers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scribbr.com\/academic-writing\/numbers\/","title":{"rendered":"Writing numbers: words and numerals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Numbers can be written either as words (e.g., one hundred) or numerals (e.g., 100). In this article we follow the guidelines of APA Style<\/a>, one of the most common style guides used in academic writing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In general, words should be used for numbers from zero through nine, and numerals should be used from 10 onwards.\u00a0This is true for both cardinal numbers (e.g., two, 11) and ordinal numbers (e.g., second, 11th<\/sup>). However, there are some important exceptions to this rule.<\/p>\n

Note that other style guides, such as Chicago Style,<\/a>\u00a0address numbers differently (for example, in Chicago, you use words for numbers up to 100). Regardless of what style guide you follow, the most important thing is to be consistent in how you treat numbers throughout your document.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Exceptions<\/h2>\n

Use numerals for numbers from zero to nine that are followed by a precise unit of measurement.<\/p>\n

Examples:<\/h6>\n
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The samples measured 7<\/u><\/strong> cm in diameter. (\u201ccm\u201d is a unit of measurement)<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

But: <\/em>These three<\/u><\/strong> samples were subjected to further testing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Use words for any number that is used to start a sentence, with the exception of years.<\/p>\n

Examples:<\/h6>\n
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Seventy-two thousand<\/u><\/strong> ink cartridges are sold every day.<\/p>\n

Nineteenth-century<\/u><\/strong> novels often feature complicated plot lines.<\/p>\n

But:<\/em> 2008<\/u><\/strong> saw record olive crops throughout the Mediterranean.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Use words for common fractions and set expressions.<\/p>\n

Examples:<\/h6>\n
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According to the survey, two thirds<\/u><\/strong> of the employees are dissatisfied.<\/p>\n

Understanding the Five Pillars of Islam<\/u><\/strong> is a critical first step.<\/p>\n

The Fourth of July<\/u><\/strong> is traditionally marked by a firework display.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Writing percentages<\/h2>\n

With percentages, the standard is to use numerals and \u201c%\u201d (not \u201cpercent\u201d).<\/p>\n

Example:<\/h6>\n
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According to the report, 45%<\/u><\/strong> of the workforce is employed in the service sector. Only 6%<\/u><\/strong> currently work in agriculture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The main exception is if you are using a percentage to begin a sentence. In this case, use words to express the entire percentage.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/h6>\n
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Thirteen percent<\/u><\/strong> of the patients reported that their symptoms improved after taking the experimental drug.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Reporting statistical results that include numbers<\/h2>\n

If your paper includes quantitative research, you probably have data to report. Statistics, mathematical functions, ratios, and percentages are all written using numerals. This is true regardless of whether they are included within a table or as part of the actual text. Keep the following guidelines in mind:<\/p>\n