Numbers and punctuation

  • Decimal points

    Use a point, not a comma, before a decimal.

    Exemple adequat0.25
    Exemple adequat5.5


  • Commas

    In numbers of one thousand or more, use commas between groups of three digits.

    Exemple adequat2,436
    Exemple adequat32,548
    Exemple adequat83,200,000


    Do not use commas in serial numbers such as page numbers, street numbers and years.

    Exemple adequatThis idea receives further comment on page 1056 of the report.


    Exemple adequatAll further enquiries should be made at our office at 1558 Brunswick Avenue, New York City.


    Exemple adequatThe University of Bologna is the world’s oldest university; it was founded in 1088.


  • Hyphens

    Hyphenate compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine.

    Exemple adequatThree hundred and forty-six students are enrolled in the School of Fine Art.


    Spell out numbers that are joined to a word by a hyphen, except in the case of set phrases such as 24-hour clock and 24-7 service.

    Exemple adequatA five-year period

    Exemple adequatA one-week holiday


    When two numbers appear side by side, spell one of them out. If one of them occurs alongside a unit of measurement, make that one a numeral.

    Exemple adequatfour 6-week periods

    Exemple adequatthirty-six 20-cent coins
Darrera actualització: 14-9-2023
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Recommended citation:
«Numbers and punctuation» [en línia]. A: Llibre d’estil de la Universitat de Barcelona. Barcelona: Universitat de Barcelona. Serveis Lingüístics. <https://www.ub.edu/llibre-estil/criteri.php?id=2377> [consulta: 19 abril 2024].
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