Need a refresher on how to use numbers on your webpages? The following examples will help you use numbers according to AP Style, the guide used for all NIU communications.
The No. 1 Rule
The main rule to remember is to spell out one through nine and use figures for 10 and above.
Examples:
- She’s taking four classes.
- He studies 12 hours a week.
- The number of students in the class ranges from nine to 15.
Exceptions:
- Ages (He is 9 years old.)
- Units of measure (She is 5 feet, 5 inches tall.)
- A number starting a sentence (Spell it out: Twenty people attended the lecture.)
Ordinal Numbers and Rankings
Ordinal numbers indicate order. Spell out first through ninth and use figures for 10 and above.
To indicate a ranking, use “No.” followed by the ranking as a figure.
Examples:
- She was first in line.
- He’s in 10th grade.
- We have the No. 1 program in the state.
Styles for Other Numbers
- Phone numbers: 815-753-1234
- GPA: 3.50 (Carry the decimal to two digits.)
- Amounts of money: $20 (Don’t include the “.00” unless the figure is aligned in a table with other figures.)
