Do you have questions about formatting numbers? There are two main rules that apply to writing numbers:
1. Write out single-digit numbers (one through nine) and use digits for numbers for 10 and higher, or
2. Write out one hundred and everything less. Use numbers for everything greater than one hundred.
Some style guides say to write out common numbers and use digits for all others. This would result in:
- one thousand
- 1,051
- one million
- 999,157
Of course, they’re exceptions and special cases. One example is that if a sentence begins with a number, always spell it. If this looks awkward, rewrite the sentence so that it doesn’t start with a number. In this case:
One thousand, two hundred and fifty-seven people were present . . .
becomes
The attendance was 1,257 . . .
Follow these pointers on formatting numbers to cover the most common situations.
Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.
Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.
