Number Formats
Time/Date
The preferred format is:
- Use numerals when listing a time; 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
- Include a.m. and p.m. notation with periods in lowercase letters. Avoid the redundant: 6 a.m. in the morning.
- Spell out noon and midnight. Do not capitalize. Avoid the redundant: 12 noon or 12 midnight
Abbreviate these months when used with a specific date: January, February, August, September, October, November, December unless used in a formal invitation; (Spell out March, April, May, June and July in all references).
Correct: Sept. 10, Oct. 31, March 4
Incorrect: September 10
Spell out the month if it stands alone in running text.
When writing dates, use numerals only. Avoid the use of st, nd, rd, or th; e.g.:
- Correct: The event is scheduled for Feb. 1.
- Incorrect: The event is scheduled for Feb. 1st.
Numbers
Spell out numbers one through nine. Use numerals for numbers 10 and above.
Use figures within a series if more than one number is more than 10.
Correct: 22 hours, 19 minutes, 6 seconds; 12 hats, 5 purses, and 16 pairs of shoes
The preferred formats for phone numbers are:
- with the area code set off by parentheses; e.g.: (210) 829-6000
- with the use of hyphens; e.g. 210-829-6000
Hours of the day; e.g., 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.
Amounts of money with dollar sign; e.g., $3 or $3.50
Always use numerals when referring to age.
Correct: 3-year-old Annie takes ballet. or Annie, 3, takes ballet.
When using numerals with suffixes (never with dates), always place the suffix in superscript format; e.g. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc.
Do not:
- begin a sentence with numerals; instead spell out the number or rephrase sentence. (A year is the exception)
- add a numeral in parentheses after it’s written in words; e.g., three copies, not three (3) copies