Numbers, measurements and units: Difference between revisions
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'''Use numerals''' | |||
* whenever a number is followed by a unit symbol | |||
(for example kg, m) | (for example kg, m) | ||
* for references to illustrations | |||
* for dates, page numbers, percentages and expressions of | |||
time | time | ||
* where several numbers are used in succession, some less | |||
and some more than ten, use numerals throughout | and some more than ten, use numerals throughout | ||
* use decimals and never fractions | |||
'''Use words''' | |||
* for numbers from one to ten; numerals for larger numbers | |||
* in whole numbers containing several zeros, either substitute | |||
a word for part of the number | a word for part of the number | ||
(e.g. 16 million instead of 16 000 000) | (e.g. 16 million instead of 16 000 000) | ||
* do not begin a sentence with a numeral | |||
'''Spaces and markers''' | |||
* use a full point for the decimal marker e.g. 16.6 kg | |||
* numbers with up to four digits or fewer on either side of the | |||
decimal marker are set without spaces or commas: 616, | decimal marker are set without spaces or commas: 616, | ||
1684, 0.8333 | 1684, 0.8333 | ||
* numbers with more than four digits are divided by a fixed | |||
space, not a comma, every three digits from the decimal | space, not a comma, every three digits from the decimal | ||
marker: 25 000, 1 584 000, 0.616 42 | marker: 25 000, 1 584 000, 0.616 42 | ||
'''Units''' | |||
* millions: use m and decimals: 1 m, 1.5 m, 20 m | |||
* billions: use bn and decimals: 1 bn, 1.5 bn, 20 bn | |||
* per cent should be spelt out, not % | |||
[[category:writers' guide]] | [[category:Earthwise writers' guide]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:22, 30 July 2014
Use numerals
- whenever a number is followed by a unit symbol
(for example kg, m)
- for references to illustrations
- for dates, page numbers, percentages and expressions of
time
- where several numbers are used in succession, some less
and some more than ten, use numerals throughout
- use decimals and never fractions
Use words
- for numbers from one to ten; numerals for larger numbers
- in whole numbers containing several zeros, either substitute
a word for part of the number (e.g. 16 million instead of 16 000 000)
- do not begin a sentence with a numeral
Spaces and markers
- use a full point for the decimal marker e.g. 16.6 kg
- numbers with up to four digits or fewer on either side of the
decimal marker are set without spaces or commas: 616, 1684, 0.8333
- numbers with more than four digits are divided by a fixed
space, not a comma, every three digits from the decimal marker: 25 000, 1 584 000, 0.616 42
Units
- millions: use m and decimals: 1 m, 1.5 m, 20 m
- billions: use bn and decimals: 1 bn, 1.5 bn, 20 bn
- per cent should be spelt out, not %