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Numerals and units

Spell out numbers one through nine, except in the case of units of measure or time. For these, and for values of 10 and higher, use Arabic numerals. Always spell out numbers at the beginning of a sentence if the sentence cannot be rearranged to avoid starting with a number.

Example:

Fifteen days previously… NOT 15 days previously…

For a mixture of numbers in one sentence, use a consistent number style.

Example:

The sample included 34 men with type A blood, 15 with type B, and 3 with type AB.

Use different number styles when putting two numbers next to each other.

Example:

Five 50-kg women, NOT 5 50-kg women

TIP!

The AMA Manual of Style is a good guide to the use of numerals and units.

Spacing

  • Generally, in the life sciences there should be no space between a numeral and a percent sign: 48%. In the physical sciences, a space is sometimes included: 48 %. Check the instructions to authors or sample reports in your target journal.
  • Use a space between a numeral and a unit of measurement: 178 mm.

Decimals

  • Use a zero before a decimal point, e.g., 0.28 mL, except when reporting P values: P = .04.

Rates, proportions and fractions

  • Use a virgule (/) for proportions, and a colon (:) for ratios:
    About 1/3 of samples…
    The ratio was 3:4.5…
    The rate averaged 40/100,000 people…
  • Spell out fractions that modify nouns:
    Half the cases showed…
    A two-thirds majority…
  • When writing a range or series, give the unit after the final item:
    BAD: 25 mg–30 mg
    GOOD: 25–30 mg
  • Do not insert a space on either side of an en-dash (–):
    BAD:The three sites — Taipei, Shanghai, and Bangkok — all experienced severe weather events in the time period studied.
    GOOD: The three sites—Taipei, Shanghai, and Bangkok—all experienced severe weather events in the time period studied.

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