Numbers

Definitions

Figures (cardinal numbers): 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Ordinal numbers: numbers that indicate the position of something in a list and end in -st, -nd, -rd, or -th

  • Examples: first, second, 3rd, 4th

General Guidelines

Check the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook for general questions.

Reference this section for our exceptions.

Use figures (cardinal numbers) to make numbers stand out. Numeric format makes it easier for visitors to scan and identify the numbers. (See Nielsen Norman Group article: “Break Grammar Rules on Websites for Clarity”)

  • Examples:
    • Some immunization series will take up to 6 months to complete.
    • You can choose between 2 ways to submit your official transcripts.

Specifics

Dates

See Seasons, Dates & Times: Dates

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Use numerals and a period for a GPA. Go out to the hundredth place.

Exception: a GPA that is a whole number, e.g., 4.0 GPA

  • Yes: To qualify for the scholarship, you need a GPA of 2.25.
  • Yes: To qualify for the scholarship, you need a GPA of 2.50.
  • Yes: To qualify for the scholarship, you need a GPA of 3.0.
  • No: To qualify for the scholarship, you need a GPA of 3.

Money

Use a dollar sign and a figure for sums greater than $1.

Do not use a decimal point and zeros for even dollars.

  • Yes: $2,350
  • Yes: $9.75
  • Yes: $7 
  • No: seven dollars
  • No: 7 dollars
  • No: $7.00

Use figures and spell out the word cents for sums under $1.

Exception: Do not spell out the word cents when the amount is in a table for cost references.

  • Yes: 75 cents
  • No: $.75
  • No: $0.25

Percentages

Use the % when paired with a number and without a space.

  • Yes: By the year 2030, it is projected that 20% of the U.S. population will be age 65 and older.
  • No: By the year 2030, it is projected that 20 percent of the U.S. population will be age 65 and older.

Use a leading zero for amounts less than 1%.

  • Yes: The price of eggs rose 0.8% last week.
  • No: The price of eggs rose .8% last week.

Telephone Numbers

Use hyphens without spaces between numbers.

  • Yes: The Information Center telephone number is 817-515-8223.
  • No: The Information Center telephone number is (817) 515-8223
  • No: The Information Center telephone number is 817.515.8223

Time

See also:

Updated January 20, 2023