4.12 Numbers

The following are spelt out:

>whole numbers from one to nine and any number beginning a sentence.

>but for millions/ billions, whatever the number, use the numeral.

○Examples

>The agreement was signed four years ago.

>The population of the state has increased from 9 million to 16.2 million over the last decade.

For all other numbers above nine, including 10, numerals are used.

○Example

>More than 60 years have passed since the colonial power departed.

○Exception: if the number starts a sentence

>Forty eight countries go to the polls in 2014

For percentages: use numerals, followed by per cent (two words).

○Example

>With 95 per cent of the work complete, we can relax

When a number is not a whole number, even above 10, use a numeral.

○Examples

>9.4

>16.3

For bigger numbers, add a comma.

○Examples

>8,000

>86,000

>186,000

When a fraction is used, spell it out.

○Example

>A two-third majority in parliament.

For a range, use only numerals.

○Examples

>Like many other schools, this one in Idukki district runs Classes 1-4 combined in a single room.

>He did, puffing up his tiny chest and racing through tables 1-12 without a pause for breath or applause.

When a number suffix is unavoidable, don’t use superscript:

○Example

>On her 19th birthday, she left home to come to the city.

Conversions: Miles (whether less than or more than 10) will get converted into kilometres, unless the miles are in a direct quote, in which case, put the kilometre figure in brackets.

○Example

“We had to walk 100 miles [161 kilometres] to get there.”

All numbers in table/charts/graphs/ figures will be numerals and not spelt out.