The AP Number Game

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.