The Numbers Game—Numerals, That Is

Author: Karen H. Phillips

When we need to use statistics, dates, or any other numbers in our writing, we may not think it matters how we write the numerals. However, to an editor, it matters. There are rules regarding a wide variety of number usage. Whether expressed as words, figures, letters, or groups of words, numerals represent numbers.

Math Review—Two Types of Numerals, Two Kinds of Numbers

Roman numerals serve primarily to name wars and to show personal sequence for animals and people.

The letters I, V, X, L, C, D, and M comprise Roman numerals.

Examples:

UGA VII is the newest mascot in an unbroken line of male bulldogs for the University of Georgia.
My late father-in-law served in World War II.

Other examples:

Elizabeth II
Pope John XXIII

Arabic numerals are preferred unless Roman numerals are specifically required.

The digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0 make up all Arabic numerals.

Cardinal numbers count items.

Examples:

1, 13, 77, 205, two, eighty-three, one hundred five

Ordinal numbers show sequence.

Examples:

1st, 2nd 11th, 107th, third, fifth, twentieth, nine hundred first

For Starters—Common Usage Rules

The general rule is to use words for whole numbers from one through one hundred, round numbers (those ending with a zero), or any number beginning a sentence. Many exceptions exist, but in most cases, use numerals for other numbers.

Wrong: They had 100 cookies left after the reception.

Wrong: The amount totaled fifty thousand seven hundred twenty-five.

Right: The historic house had stood on the corner for two hundred seventy years.

Right: More than 80,706 dogs’ photos were entered in the contest.

At the beginning of a sentence, express a number with a word, unless it identifies a calendar year.

Wrong: 20 cats lingered in the alley behind the seafood restaurant.

Right: Eighty-six soldiers marched along the toll road. (Note: hyphenate two-digit numerals when spelled out)

Right: 1776 brought the birth of our nation.

Spell out common expressions.

Wrong: There were 100’s of people at the concert.

Right: A thousand pardons!

Follow the practice of an organization in using its title.

Wrong: Big 10 football

Right: 3M Company

Not to Be Fractious—Using Fractions

In most writing, spell out amounts less than one, using hyphens between the words that express the fraction.

Wrong: Only 1/3 of the students attended.

Right: Approximately two-sevenths of the population will experience these symptoms.

For amounts larger than one, use figures for exact amounts. If practical, convert the numerals to decimals. Microsoft Word and possibly other word processing programs will convert commonly used fractions such as ¼, ½, and ¾ to a unit size, but 3/8 and 11/2 will not convert. If mixed numbers are short, the writer or editor can choose whether to spell those.

Wrong: The teacher asked the students to add one and two-thirds and three and seven-eighths.

Right: Only 1 2/3 of the pies remained.

Right: She ordered two and one-half pizzas made with pepperoni.

Right: The fabric measured 22.5 inches long.

Decimals—No Dueling Necessary

Use a period and numerals to write decimals. Writers do not generally exceed two places in written text unless writing precise statistical or scientific material.

Wrong: He found several students were tardy 43.752 percent of the time.

Right: The study showed 52.18 times similar events occurred.

If writing an amount less than one percent, place the numeral zero before the decimal point.

Wrong: Police reported accidents at this intersection were fatal .5 percent of the time.

Right: Only 0.7 percent of the cultures developed cancerous cells.

When in Doubt—Consult the Experts

Because so many exceptions to the use of numbers exist, writers need to consult an authoritative style manual, preferably The Chicago Manual of Style.

Communicate with editors regarding their preferences for the use of numbers. Requirements can vary depending on the type of publication or the nature of the piece.