My favorite thing about Associated Press Style is that the rules help you know how to write certain things… except when the rule doesn’t apply.
Did you read my sarcasm in the last line? I hope so.
Numbers are a perfect example of this AP Style rule that is not really a rule. The general rule is that numbers 10 or more should be written as numerals with anything less than 10 spelled out. For example, I was supposed to count to 10, but I stopped at five.
This is a great, hard, fast rule—except for all of the exceptions. I combed the AP Stylebook for exceptions to the number rule. Here is what I found.
Beginning a sentence
If you must begin a sentence with a number, you spell it out, but you should avoid this construction if possible. For example, Thirty people attended the event.
Act numbers
Use numbers and capitalize the word “Act.” For example, She was late to the production and missed Act 1.
Addresses
You can abbreviate avenue, boulevard and street when you have a number with the address. If not, you spell it out. For example, Oklahoma City University is at 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave.
Check out my Nerd Note on Writing Addresses for more.
Ages
Always use figures. If you say someone is 2 years old you do not hyphenate. If you say the 2-year-old you do hyphenate. This rule applies to all ages.
Channels
When talking about TV channels, capitalize the word “Channel” and the numeral. For example, I watch Channel 9 news.
Chapters
When talking about book chapters, capitalize the word “Chapter” and the numeral. For example, Your text discusses numerals in Chapter 6.
Course numbers
Use numerals when talking about course numbers. For example, The professor teaches Rhetoric 101.
Court decisions
Use numerals and a hyphen. For example, The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of the broadcaster.
Days of the week
When talking about dates, use just the day without st, rd, etc. For example, My birthday is June 23.
Decades
Use numerals with ‘ where numbers are missing, but not before the s. For example, I was born in the ‘70s.
Check out my Nerd Note on Writing Decades for more.
Dimensions/Measurements
Use figures and spell out inches, feet, yards, etc. Hyphenate when used as an adjective modifying a noun. For example, She is 6 feet tall.
Distances
Always use figures. For example, He ran five miles today.
Election returns
Always use figured. For example, He beat the incumbent by 4 votes.
Formal titles
When using a number in a formal title, use it as it officially is used. For example, First lady Brenda McDaniel spoke at the meeting.
Fractions
Spell out amounts less than one in stories by using hyphens between words. For example, Two-thirds of the students were present at the event.
Grades
Use the traditional 10 and over rule. For example, She is in the fifth grade.
Highway destinations
Use numerals for highway destinations. For example, I travel down State Hwy 75.
Money
Use the dollar sign and then numerals when you are talking about money. Use the numeral and the lowercase word “cents” when talking about change. For money more than a million use the dollar sign, numerals up to two decimal places and million. The same is true for billions. For example, I spend about $5 a day for lunch.
Rankings
Use No. and then the numeral. For example, The Thunder are No. 1.
Percentages
Use the numeral and then the word percent lowercase. For example, I made a 95 percent on the exam.
Ranges
Use the word to, not hyphens. For example, The odds are five to one.
Ratios
Use figures and dashes. For example, 2-to-1. For example, The Senate voted 4-2 to approve the bill.
Rooms
Use the word “Room” capitalized and then the numeral. For example, My office is Room 117.
Speeds
Use figures. For example, I drive 40 mph.
Temperatures
Use figures except for zero, which you spell out. For example, it is 90 degrees today.
Times
Always use the number and then a.m. or p.m. The on exceptions are noon and midnight, which you use the word. For example, This class is at 9 a.m.
Check out my Nerd Note on How to Write Times for more.
Scores
Use numerals. Place hyphens between figures. For example, We won the soccer game with a 10-4 final score.
There they are—the rules that don’t follow the rules, making numbers easily difficult to write correctly in AP Style. What did I miss? I know there have to be some exceptions to the number rule that you use frequently that I forgot to include. Share them with us in the comments.
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