(printable)

Numbers and Units

Numbers

For decimals less than one use a leading zero.

0.27 not .27

Generally spell out numbers below ten.
Use figures with all abbreviated forms of units.
Never start a sentence with a figure. To avoid spelling out large numbers recast the sentence.

For a span of numbers use an en rule, eliding to the fewest number of figures possible.

0–1, 132–6

Do not elide numbers in the group 10 to 19.

13–16, 1213–18.

Provided it is not non-dimensional a value in the text must have its associated unit.

Use a full space between a value and the unit. Separate components of the unit with a thin space.

9.87 m s^-1 (9.87\ m\,s$^{-1}$)

A common latex mistake is to include the unit while still in math mode.

$9.87\ m\,s^{-1}$ typesets the unit in italics which is wrong

The degree symbol is printed close up to the scale abbreviation when given.

15 °C (15\ $^{\circ}$C).

In non-technical writing the scale is sometimes omitted in which case the degree symbol is printed close up to the number.

15° (15$^{\circ}$)

Values in Kelvin do not include a degree sign.

27 K (27\ K) not 27 °K

The degree, minute and second symbols are printed close up to the number.

36° N, 155° 13’ 10” W

Do not use a solidus to indicate 'per'.

9.87 m s^-1 (9.87\ m\,s$^{-1}$) not 9.87 m/s

Earth Observation Data Group, Department of Physics, University of Oxford.

Page last updated: @21:16 GMT 03-Jan-2015