Understanding AP Style Numbers
If you want to follow the content writing style used by magazines, newspapers, editors and journalists, then you need to study up on Associated Press style, or AP style. This style of writing is very commonly used in SEO content writing such as business blogging, press releases, eBooks, white papers and more. In the past we discussed how to correctly use AP style title case, and now we’re here to tackle the often confused topic of AP style numbers.
Knowing the Basics of AP Style Numbers
So how do you know when to spell out numbers in AP style? In general, you should spell out all numbers one through nine and use figures only for numbers 10 and above. While this rule seems short and sweet, there are a lot of exceptions that you need to be aware of.
AP Style Numbers Examples:
– My pet monster has three heads and five eyes.
– Did you know that 10 out of 25 people believe phony statistics?
Beginning a Sentence With a Number
When starting a sentence with a number, you usually want to spell the number out. However, there is an exception to this exception (things can never be easy, right?). If you start a sentence with a year, then use the figure.
Introductory AP Style Numbers Examples:
– Four thousand people gathered to celebrate the boy band’s upcoming album.
– 1999 was a good year to party, according to Prince.
AP Style Addresses
Always use figures for numbered addresses. However, if the name of the street is a number, then you should default back to the basics: spell out First through Ninth, and use figures for 10th and anything higher.
AP Style Address Examples:
– The President of the United States lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
– The Empire State Building is located at 350 Fifth Avenue in New York.
AP Style Ages
Use figures when writing ages:
AP Style Ages Examples:
– My 5-year-old brother is stinky and needs to bathe.
– The actress, 7, is being managed by her mother, 42.
AP Style Dates
Use figures when discussing dates, but never turn to ordinal numbers. In other words, when using AP Style numbers writing out July 4 is okay, but stay away from July 4th.
Additionally, if you are writing about a decade or century, never use an apostrophe. The only time an apostrophe is needed is if you are writing a decade and dropping the first half of the figure (‘80s).
AP Style Years, Months, Decades and Dates Examples:
– The Renaissance spanned from the 1300s to the 1600s.
– The ‘70s were all about peace, love, and flower power.
AP Style Measurements and Dimensions
Use figures when writing about dimensions—including height and weight. Bonus: Don’t abbreviate the unit of measurement when using AP Style numbers.
AP Style Height and Measurements Examples:
– My grandma is approximately 4-foot-10.
– On average, a garden snail moves 50 yards per hour.
AP Style Highways
Follow the example of the popular Route 66 and use figures when writing about highways and freeways.
AP Style Highway Examples:
– You need to take Interstate 5 for 34 miles before you’ll reach your destination.
AP Style Millions/Billions
Always use figures.
AP Style Millions/Billions Examples:
– There are 300 billion stars in the Milky Way.
– It has been estimated that over 85 million house cats live in North America.
AP Style Money
Use figures when referring to money, whether dollars or cents. All of the numerals will carry dollar signs except when discussing cents. Note that when writing about an even amount, you want to drop the period and zeroes that often accompany a dollar amount ($6.00 = NO!).
AP Style Dollars and Money Examples:
– The business was sold for $5.7 million last year.
– Remember when a call from a payphone only cost 10 cents?
– I paid $6 for that hamburger.
AP Style Percentages
Use figures and the percent symbol to express percentages. (This was changed in 2019. Previously we had to write out “percent.”)
AP Style Percentages Examples:
– Approximately 25% of the world’s supply of hazelnuts is used to make Nutella.
– Only 9% of Americans prefer watching baseball more than other sports.
Try to avoid using a percentage to start a sentence, otherwise you have to write out the number and “percent.”
– Two percent of missing remotes are found outside.
AP Style Plural Numbers
Just like when writing about decades and centuries, an apostrophe should not be used with plural numbers.
AP Style Plural Numbers Examples:
– Yesterday I bowled two 300s.
AP Style Speed
Use figures with speeds.
AP Style Speed Examples:
– We were going at least 75 mph.
AP Style Temperature
Use figures with temperatures.
AP Style Temperatures Examples:
– Even though it was 43 degrees outside, he went swimming.
AP Style Time
Use figures with time. Note that you should never use :00 when discussing an even hour. Likewise, midnight and noon should be spelled out.
AP Style Time Examples:
– 5 p.m., 6:30 a.m.
Well-Known Expressions in AP Style
Ready for another exception? If you are using clichés or well-known expressions, you should usually spell out the number.
AP Style Expressions Examples:
– Life begins at forty.
– She had her fifteen minutes of fame.
Perfecting AP Style Numbers Usage One Number at a Time
The AP style numbers guidelines are extensive, but they don’t have to be confusing. Mastering AP Style dates, temperatures, measurements, ages, time, percent, money, years, hours, speed and more is doable! If you commit one rule to memory each day, in just two weeks you will become an AP numbers master.
Let us know if you struggle with one of these exceptions with AP style numbers. You’re definitely not alone! Click here if you’d like to freshen up on some more AP Style rules.
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Great article! Having trouble determining when to spell out or use a figure in reference to “ten years” in a text.
For example, I don’t quite understand why this sentence “a friend in training called me Cabbage Patch, because he thought I looked like one of those dolls. Now, ten years later its shortened to just “Patch,” uses ten and not a figure. Could you explain?
Thanks for your question, Jaz. When talking about length of time in AP style, use a numeral for 10 and above.
Ex: We have been friends for three years.
Ex: It took me 11 years to learn to play the piano.
If the writer of your example sentence is following AP style, then “10 years later” would be correct.
Thanks!
I understand that one exception to spelling out numbers one through nine is ages. (i.e., “My 5-year-old brother is stinky and needs to bathe.”) Is this exception limited to ONLY ages of people? Or does it also include other measures of years.
Is it: “I bought my car four years ago.” OR “I bought my car 4 years ago.”?
Is it: “He finished his degree in five years.” OR “He finished his degree in 5 years.”?
Furthermore, is this rule consistent with other measures of time (e.g., minutes, hours, days, weeks, months)?
Is it: “He completed the mile-long race in six minutes.” OR “He finished the mile-long race in 6 minutes.”?
Thanks for clarification!
Hi TFM,
Use a numeral only for 10 and above when talking about general length of time in AP style.
“I bought my car four years ago.”
“He finished his degree in five years.”
However, AP’s rules for telling time are very specific:
“Use figures for time of day except for noon and midnight: 1 p.m., 10:30 a.m., 5 o’clock, 8 hours, 30 minutes, 20 seconds, a winning time of 2:17:3 (2 hours, 17 minutes, 3 seconds). Spell out numbers less than 10 standing alone and in modifiers: I’ll be there in five minutes.”
Therefore, you want to go with your first suggestion: “He completed the mile-long race in six minutes.”
Thanks!
Hi Amber,
In your above example, I’m not understanding why “8 hours,” uses the numeric figure rather than “eight hours.” Later in the examples you provide, you spell out the numbers in “five minutes,” “six minutes,” etc.
What’s the reason for the difference if it isn’t referring to 8 o’clock as a time of day?
Thanks!
Hi Jennifer,
I agree that the rules are hard to follow, but my example comes straight off AP’s website. Hours, minutes and seconds are all units of time, so it’s odd not to use the same style with all of them. Still, that’s what AP wants! The AP editors have expressed a desire to revamp the rules, though they haven’t given an ETA.
Thanks for your comment!
I’m so confused about this. If I am talking about a “six-hour cutoff time” or “finishing a marathon in 6 hours,” am I using numerals or spelling them out?
Hi, Theresa:
AP style says, “Use the numeral for sports-related time measurements.”
As an addition that may confuse more, AP also says, “Spell out numbers less than 10 standing alone and in modifiers: I’ll be there in five minutes. He scored with two seconds left. An eight-hour day. The two-minute warning.” I point out this last rule because I’m not sure of the context for “six-hour cutoff time.”
Even AP editors agree that the rules are confusing, so you’re not alone!
Thanks for taking questions.
Which is correct?
Joe Smith’s season vaulted him into the top five of the NBA Draft.
or
Joe Smith’s season vaulted him into the top 5 of the NBA Draft.
It’s my pleasure, Carol. Go with “top five.”
Thanks!
I know we are not to use ordinal numbers with dates, like it’s July 4, not July 4th. However, what about if the date is before the month? The 12 of June? I can’t seem to find anything about this, so I’m assuming it’s the same?
Hi, Theresa:
AP style would prefer “June 12.” If you have to go with “the 12th of June,” then definitely use the ordinal.
Thanks!
Totally agree with this one. I’ve been going back & forth on the site for hours. I assume the mention/example of “8 hours” as opposed to “eight hours” must be a miswrite, because nowhere else do I see this as the norm. Such a strange example.
My reply is directed to Theresa’s earlier comment.
Hi, Abagail:
I agree it’s odd, but I think that example is talking about specific units of time.
Ex: “I ran the marathon in 5 hours, 18 minutes, and 4 seconds.”
AP’s entries have a couple of examples like this, so I don’t believe it’s a typo.
Thanks!
Amber
Hi,
What about “one thousandth of an inch”? How would AP write this?
Hi LZ,
AP calls for “one-thousandth of an inch.”
Thanks!
Hello,
I’m currently drafting a press release for a home builder. What is the correct way to note numbers in the hundred thousands?
For example:
Pricing begins in the high $200,000s. Or would it be “high $200 thousands.”
Hi Avery,
Your first example is correct: “Pricing begins in the high $200,000s.”
Thanks!
Where can a person learn the rationale behind the AP style rules? For example, why write out numbers nine and below? What makes them different than numbers 10 and above? Why capitalize a person’s title if it’s immediately before a name, but make it lower case if it comes after the name or if the name is set off by commas? (Example: President John Smith vs The president, John Smith, vs John Smith, president,) I’ve emailed questions like this to the AP but have not received a response.
Hi Mike,
Unfortunately I can’t tell you why AP’s rules are the way they are; however, I can commiserate with you! Sometimes the exceptions to the rules can be quite hard to follow.
Best,
Amber
President John Smith is used immediately before the name as a title; therefore, it is capitalized. However, both The president, John Smith and John Smith, president separate the first noun from the 2nd noun with a comma, making the word or words following the comma an appositive (a word or phrase that renames or identifies the noun before it). Technically, in the latter two examples the word is not used as a title.
When expressing millions as a unit of measurement in a chart, is it abbreviated as $M or $MM?
Hi Kristin,
Go with “$M” for million and “$B” for “billion.” Interestingly, AP never abbreviates “trillion.”
Examples:
– $5M
– $13B
– $1 trillion
Thanks!
Hi! Would I say “Employers added 16 thousand jobs in May” or “Employers added 16,000 jobs in May”? Thank you!
Hi Christina,
Your second example is correct: “Employers added 16,000 jobs in May.”
Thanks!
What is the proper AP Style format when you’re talking about specific thousands of years? For example, “They opened a sarcophagus for the first time in three thousand years.” or “They opened a sarcophagus for the first time in 3,000 years.”? I’ve seen mainstream news articles (even from the same outlet) use both in different articles.
Great question, Michael. Go with “3,000 years.”
Thanks!
Thank you!
Hi Amber,
I am wondering about using both numeric and written numbers in the same sentence.
“The resolution passed with 10 ‘yes’ votes to two ‘no’ votes.”
Hi Gretchen,
Use the rule that specific number requires, even if that means you’ll be mixing styles. In other words, your sentence is correct! The AP editors give a similar sentence as an example: “They had a fleet of 10 station wagons and two buses.”
Thanks!
Hi, I know that figures are used for ages of people and things (2-year-old boy, 5-year-old car, etc.) but what about similar usages for time spans such as two-weeks notice or five-year contract or three-year mission? Would those be spelled out or would figures be used also?
Great question, Robert. AP editors consider those time spans to be descriptions and suggest the default style on numerals: spell out numbers under 10.
Thanks!
Hi Amber,
Would you say:
“hospital stays were reduced from 6 or 7 days to about 1.4 days” or “from six to seven days to about one and one-quarter days” or “from six to seven days to about 1 1/4 days”?
Hi, Elizabeth. Days follow the general numeral rule, so you would write “six or seven days.” However, AP also says, “Use figures for precise amounts larger than 1, converting to decimals whenever practical.”
I’d go with this: “Hospital stays were reduced from six or seven days to about 1.4 days.”
Thanks!
13th birthday or thirteenth birthday?
THANKS!
Hi, Elizabeth:
This is AP’s guideline on ordinals: “Numbers used to indicate order (first, second, 10th, 25th, etc.) are called ordinal numbers. Spell out first through ninth: fourth grade, first base, the First Amendment, he was first in line. Use figures starting with 10th.”
Go with “13th birthday.”
Thanks!
Amber
A copy editor changed my online/print story to read:
“So, there’s where the first library will be,” he told the crowd gathered for the groundbreaking. “Where will Nos. 2 and 3 go?” he said.
Elsewhere in the story:
““What Daybreak does not have a lot of is civic space,” said Kingston, noting the new library will help the nationally ranked Daybreak community and the No. 2-selling community in Utah better serve residents.”
I think it sounds/looks just awful! Please advise!
I understand where you are coming from, Jennifer. I also think it looks odd. But the editor is following AP’s rank guidelines:
“RANK: He was my No. 1 choice. (Note abbreviation for ‘Number’). Kentucky was ranked No. 3. The band had five Top 40 hits.”
Thanks!
Do I use “Third” or “3rd” in “Third lowest tuition and fees among four-year colleges.”
I searched websites but haven’t found an explanation.
Hi, Lisa. You want to use “third” if you’re following AP’s guidelines.
Thanks!
Hello. I am wondering if I am saying something like “The follow-up appointments will occur at three months and six months” if the numbers are spelled out or written with the actual numbers. Basically when talking about months, years, days, etc. but not referring to age, how should the numbers be written out? Thank you!
Hi, Aaron:
The general rules will apply. AP gives this example:
“He had nine months to go.”
Thanks!
More than 48% of those surveyed said that delivery time was impacted by two to three months.
AP Guidelines Question:
Because 48% is over 10, should two to three be written as 2 to 3?
Hi, Carl:
The original sentence is correct: “More than 48% of those surveyed said that delivery time was impacted by two to three months.”
AP doesn’t apply the same rules within a sentence. Each number stands on its own.
Best,
Amber
For AP style would it be three-to-five days or three to five days? Thank you in advance. I proof read for a local paper.
You’re in luck! AP editors have an answer for this exact question: “The trip takes three to five days. It’s a three- to five-day trip. In winter, travel time can be 10 days or more.”
Thanks for reading!
This one is stumping me. I know you say, “She walked 3 miles.” But in an article I’m proofreading, it states, “The Deercourt community sprang up about two miles west of Tugalo …” Should I mark it to read, “The Deercourt community sprang up about 2 miles west of Tugalo …”? Do you always use a numeral when the word “miles” is used?
Hi, Kimberly!
This is the full AP style rule on miles: “Use figures in all references: The farm measures 5 miles by 4 miles. The car slowed to 7 mph. The new model gets 4 miles more per gallon. He walked 3 miles.”
So, yes, I’d go with “The Deercourt community sprang up about 2 miles west of Tugalo.”
Thanks for reading!
Amber
I have a good one and can’t find an example. I am proofing a letter and one sentence says ‘We also offered six six-day virtual sessions.’ The six six-day looks awkward. Should I change one of them to a number.
Hi, Kellie:
Keep it as “six six-day virtual sessions.” AP style has a similar example: “They had four four-room houses.”
Thanks!
Amber
Hi, I am looking for some clarity on how to write out this expression following the AP style guidelines.
Is the proper expression:
9 out of 10, nine out of 10, or nine out of ten?
Following the same pattern:
9 of 10, nine of ten, or nine of 10?
Also, for 1/5, should it be spelled out as one-fifth or one out of five or left as the numeral?
Thanks!
Hi, Micks:
Go with “nine out of 10.”
Here’s what AP says about fractions:
“Generally spell out amounts less than 1 in stories, using hyphens between the words: two-thirds, four-fifths, seven-sixteenths, etc. Use figures for precise amounts larger than 1, converting to decimals whenever practical.”
Thanks!
Hi, somewhat off topic, but how would you emphasize a word in a sentence while still following AP style guidelines?
For example:
Don’t follow the ”hype” of the trend.
Or should it just be:
Don’t follow the hype of the trend.
Thank you.
Hi, Micks! Be careful when using quotation marks to emphasize words. Doing so will usually come across as sarcasm. You can read more about that rule here: https://www.bkacontent.com/improve-your-writing-by-avoiding-scare-quotes/.
AP style editors answered a similar question by saying, “I definitely wouldn’t use quote marks, which are confusing and don’t look like emphasis. Perhaps capital letters: I REALLY loved that movie.”
Because italics and underlined words are off-limits, you don’t have a lot of alternatives available. Of course, you can break free from AP’s rigorous guidelines and do a hybrid of the rules as they fit your needs.
Thanks for reading!
Amber
Hi! A little off-topic, but how would you put “year and a half” in AP style? Would it be hyphenated?
Thanks!
Hi, Michela:
Knowing the context may change my answer, but “a year and a half” should be fine. Ex: “We went to the party a year and a half ago.” A more precise phrase would be better in formal writing.
Ex: “1 1/2 years ago”
An AP editor weighed in on the following question, and I think it will help you:
Is it “He was in jail for four-and-a-half years” or “He was in jail for 4 1/2 years”?
AP’s answer:
He was in jail for 4 1/2 years. The decimal would look a little odd in that case. Here’s the relevant section from the fractions entry:
Use figures for precise amounts larger than 1, converting to decimals whenever practical.
Thanks!
What about saying five in the afternoon or 5 in the afternoon? It’s in a quote.
Hi, Albert:
AP says you should spell out casual references to clock times.
Ex: “Five in the afternoon.”
Thanks!
Amber
I am curious about units…
is 1-quart and 2-quarts correct? Or would it be 1-quart and 2 quarts?
Hi, L:
Context matters in this case. Simply writing “2 quarts” would be correct in most cases. In casual references, “I bought two quarts of milk at the store” is fine to say. However, you would hyphenate “2-quart baking dish.”
Thanks!
When talking about a certain length of time—in this case, “three years, seven months and twenty-seven days”—is it correct that all numbers are spelled out? Or is “three years, seven months and 27 days” correct?
Hi, Jordan:
“Three years, seven months and 27 days” is correct when following AP style.
Thanks!
Amber
Hi Amber- What if you are writing a range of numbers. For example, one out of six to seven people will get food poisoning in their life. Do you spell it out like I wrote it or do you do 1 out of 6-7? Thanks!
Hi, E:
That construction is awkward enough that I’d avoid it. Can you simplify the sentence (“One out of seven people”)? What about using percentages (“14.3% of people”)?
Thanks!
Amber
Would 14.3% of people work at the beginning of a sentence?
“14.3% of people don’t pay taxes.”
Hi, Craig:
AP style’s entry says:
“At the start of a sentence: Try to avoid this construction. If it’s necessary to start a sentence with a percentage, spell out both: Eighty-nine percent of sentences don’t have to begin with a number.”
Thanks!
Amber
When you are referring to a building and its number of stories, I think you should use the number as you are measuring the building’s dimensions. So, should it be a 7-story building?
Hi, Joan:
AP style’s general number rules apply here: Spell out the number of stories below 10. I understand your thought process behind this question, but stating that something is a seven-story building is a descriptive term, not a dimension. However, you would say that the building is 70 feet tall.
Thanks!
Amber
When you are referring to a span of years, I think you mix the format, but I’d like expert confirmation! 🙂
Is this correct?
Send the mailing to people who have donated more than 10 times in the last five to 10 years.
Thanks!
Brenda
Your example is correct, Brenda.
Thanks!
Amber
Thanks for the quick response, Amber! Have a wonderful weekend!
I want to highlight the stark contrast between 95 percent and five percent. It must be me, but the contrast hits the senses so much more sharply – and AP incorrect – written as,
The programmable subconscious mind drives 95 percent of motivation versus the conscious mind’s 5 percent capacity to motivate. I found it intriguing that this ratio is reflected in the proportion of dormant DNA, 95 percent, which portion was formerly dismissed by scientists as “junk”, compared to genetically coded DNA, 5 percent. These strikingly similar ratios challenge common perceptions about the minor portion of each, a mere 5 percent, that is assumed to be responsible for dominant effects.
It just doesn’t present the same stark contrast with the set-in-stone style for five (text). Is it ever acceptable to break a rule? Should I watch out for the AP police if I boldly go ahead with this style?
Hi, Heidi:
AP style calls for figures with the % sign, even for numbers under 10.
– 95%
– 5%
Thanks!
Amber
Solved. Thank you, Amber! For all you do!
I often see instances where numerals are mixed with written out numbers, usually in a range – why is this a thing?
“If left untreated, root rot can kill a plant as quickly as seven to 10 days.”
I understand the “rule”* of spelling out anything under 10 but mixing and matching like this seems to betray the idea of consistency within the writing.
*Grammarly’s guidance is spelling out all numerals below 100.
Hi, Dereck:
This article highlights AP style’s guidelines for using numbers. In other words, this is just one way to handle numbers. AP editors acknowledge that the rules are complex and in need of an overhaul. If you’d like to follow Grammarly’s guidance, you certainly can!
Best,
Amber
Is it correct to say the singer has a three-and-a-half-octave range, and she’s in a seven-piece band …
or a 3 1/2-octave range in a 7-piece band
Or none of the above?
Hi, Becca:
AP says, “Use figures for precise amounts larger than 1, converting to decimals whenever practical.” With this in mind, go with “3 1/2-octave range” and “seven-piece band.”
Thanks!
Amber
Headers and titles — same rules apply, correct? 1-9 spelled out and 10+ as numerals… or is there an exception for headers/titles?
Thanks!
Hi, Lindey:
Always use figures in titles and headings, even for 1-9. Here’s part of AP’s entry on headlines:
“Do not spell out numbers except in casual uses or formal names: hundreds instead of 100s; Big Ten; one of the first. Use numerals for ordinals: 2nd, 9th, etc.
Thanks!
Amber
Do I use two year hiatus or two-year hiatus? I am talking about an event that hasn’t happened in two years due to covid. I just want to make sure I’m right my professor is really strict on AP style
Hi, Claire:
Go with “two-year hiatus.”
Thanks!
Amber
Thank you for the info! I’m struggling with a sentence for a print article I’m writing: you could have six four-row planters working together. Should I do something special when I have two number series? We thought maybe add a comma in between six and four??
Hi, Katin:
Your approach is correct: “six four-row planters.”
Here’s an example straight from the AP Stylebook to show that you’re on the right track:
“They had four four-room houses, 10 three-room houses and 12 10-room houses.”
Thanks!
Amber
I haven’t read through all the comments through the years; forgive me if this is a repeat!
What if I have back-to-back numbers in a time reference that would usually take different forms?
***
Take a break from your computer screen for five to 10 minutes every hour.
or
Take a break from your computer screen for 5 to 10 minutes every hour.
***
Or would this be an instance for figures anyway?! I’m not entirely clear on the rules for time references.
Thanks!
Hi, Laura:
AP style uses, “Take a break from your computer screen for five to 10 minutes every hour.”
Thanks!
Amber
Regarding stars as a rating system (i.e., 5-star hotel), does AP use numerals, or do the rules apply, and anything less than 10 should be spelled out (e.g., five-star hotel)?
Hi, Julia:
AP uses “five-star hotel” or “four-star general.”
Thanks!
Amber
Hi Amber,
What if I need to announce that an event is going on for consecutive days? For example I want to say that “The event is happening January 11-13” Is it correct to write “The event is happening Jan. 11-13”.
Hi, Max:
AP writes it as “Jan. 11-13.” This is an AP Stylebook preference, but you could use “January 11-13” without turning any heads.
Thanks,
Amber