Other Uses
Rule 1. In business letters and reports, spell out round numbers that can be expressed in one or two words.
We have two hundred crates in the warehouse.
We shall reserve two suites in the penthouse.
Fifty packages have been shipped today.
We received a ten-thousand peso order today.
Rule 2. Spell out whole numbers less than one hundred; use figures for numbers from 101 up.
We now have thirty-two service crews.
There are eight-two vacant slots.
The three rooms combined numbered 136.
Rule 3. When numbers are used more than once in a sentence, do not use words for some and figures for others. If one or more of the numbers exceed 101, it is preferable to express all of the numbers in figures.
We have six writing pens, three ink pads, and two staplers in our supply room.
We have 20 batteries, 40 sets of chain, 12 cases of Zerone, and 110 fan belts of various brands.
Rule 4. When two numbers follow one another, avoid expressing both in figures. If, however, it is necessary to use figures for both numbers, use a comma to separate them.
We have 3, 25-centavo coins left.
We sold 175 five-gallon plastic jugs.
From February 1 to August 1, 2010, 132,853 guests entered our restaurant to dine or just look around.
Rule 5. Page numbers are always expressed in figures.
The article that is described on page 23 of our catalog is about children's wear.
Rule 6. Use figures customarily to express quantities, measurement, and dimensions. Spell out by, except in orders, invoices, and listings; use 6 by 9 inches rather than 6 x 9 inches.
We ordered 125 boxes of apples.
The room is 140 by 120 feet. ( Not 140 x 120 feet. )
We drove 1,355 kilometers to south of Luzon.
Yesterday the temperature reached 108 degrees.
In writing large numbers, it is the practise of many insurance companies to leave spaces between groups of three digits.
Your policy No. 62 347 682 does not expire until 20__.
Rule 7. Spell out common fractions in isolated cases.
We can fill only about one third of your order now.
( Not: We can fill only about 1/3 of your order . . . . )
It is usually not considered good practise to use words with figures; use symbols instead.
The abbreviation No. or the number sign # may be used with figures but never the word number written out. The abbreviation No. is always capitalized.
Please cancel policy # 471-256-317.
( Not: Please cancel policy number 471-256-317. )
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