Should You Write Numbers In Words Or Figures?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A simple rule for using numbers in writing is that small numbers ranging from one to ten (or one to nine, depending on the style guide)

should generally be spelled out

. Larger numbers (i.e., above ten) are written as .

How should we write numbers in letters or in figures?

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, one of the most common style guides used in academic writing. In general, words should be

used for numbers from zero through nine

, and numerals should be used from 10 onwards.

What is the correct way to write numbers?

It is generally best to write out numbers

from zero to one hundred

in nontechnical writing. In scientific and technical writing, the prevailing style is to write out numbers under ten. While there are exceptions to these rules, your predominant concern should be expressing numbers consistently.

Why do we write numbers in words?

If your document is dense, has a lot of numbers, or contains large numbers, the numerical form helps

your readers scan information quickly

. So by typing a combination of a numeral and a word, you are almost guaranteed accuracy and ease of reading.

When should numbers be written as words?


Numbers up to nine should always be written in

words, anything higher than nine can be written in numerals. Alternatively, some guides suggest that if you can write the number in two words or fewer then use words rather than numerals.

How do you write money amounts?

You can write the amount in words by

writing the number of whole dollars first, followed by the word ‘dollars'

. Instead of the decimal point, you will write the word ‘and,' followed by the number of cents, and the word ‘cents'. If you want, you can write out the numbers using words too.

Do you write numbers in words MLA?

The general rule regarding the use of numbers is to use words to express numbers in one or two words (i.e., one, five, thirty-six, ninety-nine, one hundred, etc.) and

represent other numbers by numerals

(MLA, 98).

Should you spell out numbers in a resume?


Capitalize all proper nouns

. When expressing numbers, write out all numbers between one and nine (i.e., one, five, seven), but use numerals for all numbers 10 and above (i.e., 10, 25, 108).

Do you spell out numbers under 10 AP?

Generally speaking, we follow the guidelines outlined in the AP Stylebook. In body copy, we prefer to spell out numbers one through nine, and

use numerals for numbers 10 and greater

. This is true of ordinal numbers, as well. Spell out first to ninth, and capture 10th or greater with numerals.

Do you write numbers in APA?

In general, APA style recommends using words

to express numbers below 10

, and using numerals when expressing numbers 10 and above.

How many numbers is 2 million?

Name Number of Zeros Groups of (3) Zeros Ten thousand 4 (10,000) Hundred thousand 5 (100,000) Million

6

2 (1,000,000)
Billion 9 3 (1,000,000,000)

How many zeros are there in a million?

Have a look: 1 Lakh = 100 Thousands = 1 followed by 5 Zeros = 100,000. 10 Lakhs = 1 Million =

1 followed by 6 Zeros

= 1,000,000. Similarly here, 1 Crore = 10 Million = 1 followed by 7 Zeros = 10,000,000.

How do you write 99 cents?

Guide the student in understanding that 0.99¢ is incorrect because it represents an amount that is less than one cent. Encourage the student to write 99 cents as both 99¢ and

$0.99

, but ensuring that the two are not combined.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.