Writing Numbers

Editing styles contradict each other when it comes to writing numbers. The only way to know the “correct” way to write numbers is to check an editing style’s specific rules. Typically, in newspaper and periodical writing, numbers are written in a short form, i.e. as numerals. In books, numbers are usually written out in a long form, i.e. using words.

If you ever tried to make sense of when publishers write numerals and when they spell out numbers, you may have come up empty-handed.

In most cases, people merely want their writing to look good and don’t have time to check specific editing styles. In that case, a good rule of thumb to follow is to spell out “easy” numbers, such as one through nine, “round” numbers, such as one thousand or two hundred and fifty million, and “long” numbers with many zeros, such as ten trillion. When writing “harder” numbers, use numerals, such as in 352,003. If you are writing measurements or weights, stick to numerals.

Key Takeaways:

Nine out of 10 6-year-olds do well in first grade.

If you ever tried to make sense of when publishers write numerals and when they spell out numbers, you may have come up empty-handed.

Here’s an overview to help in your own writing.

Author: June Casagrande

Author Quote “

“If you ever tried to make sense of when publishers write numerals and when they spell out numbers, you may have come up empty-handed. Here’s an overview to help in your own writing.”

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