Writing

Numbers

Per APA 7, Section 6.32, use numerals to express numbers 10 or above (e.g., 11, 23, 256). Per Section 6.33, write out numbers as words to express numbers up to nine (e.g., three, seven, eight).

Take the APA Style Diagnostic Quiz to test your knowledge.

Use words to express numbers in these situations:

• numbers at the beginning of a sentence, title, or heading

  Seventeen computer programmers went out to dinner last night

• numbers expressing a common fraction

  The principal presented awards to three fourths of the student body.

• the numbers zero through nine used in the abstract

  (This is a new rule in APA 7. APA 6 recommended using numerals in the abstract.)

Use numerals to express numbers in these situations:

• numbers that represent time

  She had been a nurse for 3 years.

• numbers that suggest a specific place in a series

  Chapter 4 was considered required reading.

• numbers that represent scores or points on a scale

  The student scored a perfect 7.

• numbers that precede units of measurement

  Each post was roughly 2.45 ft apart.

• numbers that represent a part of a mathematical expression

  Teachers gave students ice cream if they scored in the top 5%.

• numbers that represent exact sums of money

  You owe me $5.