When do you use words or numbers?

The Basic Rule: one through ten use words ; 11≥ use numbers.

Numbers can carry different meanings:

1 million

1,000,000

1.0 x 106

1.000 x 106

Some details on using numbers:

	Use numbers for exact measurements: 12 cm 8 cm
	Use numbers for consistency: 3 of 20 2 of the remaining 20 2nd and 11th grades
	Use numbers for mathematical functions, percentages, ratios, specific data: multiplied by 4 2 ½ times as often 5 % or 5 percent (use % for scientific reports, “percent” for other types of reports)
	Use numbers for time, dates, ages, exact sums of money: 9:00 a.m. $ 3 January 5, 1998 2-year-olds
	Use numbers for clarity: 2 two-way filters
	Use numbers for table, figure, page numbers: Table 2, Figure 9

Some details on using words:

	Use words for ideas that are not precise: two or three steps five trials (as opposed to trial 5) seven items eight pages (as opposed to p. 8)
	Use words to begin sentences: Fifty-five cases….
	Use words for common fractions: one half of a page a three-fourths majority
	Common dates/phrases Fourth of July Ten Commandments
	Except in some legal documents, do not repeat numbers: Nine (9) < not necessary