Are Percentages Written Out?
The question of whether percentages should be written out or written as numerals is a common one, and the answer is: it depends.
There are no hard and fast rules governing the use of percentages, but here are some general guidelines:
When to write out percentages:
- Formal writing: In academic papers, formal reports, and other formal documents, it is generally recommended to write out percentages in full, such as "twenty percent" or "fifty percent".
- Clarity: If you are writing about a percentage that is not a whole number, writing it out can be clearer. For example, "two and a half percent" is easier to read than "2.5%".
- Style guides: Some style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, recommend writing out percentages in certain cases.
When to use numerals for percentages:
- Informality: In informal writing, such as emails and blog posts, it is more common to use numerals for percentages, such as "20%" or "50%".
- Data tables and charts: Numerals are generally preferred for presenting data in tables and charts, as they are easier to read and compare.
- Consistency: Be consistent with your usage throughout your writing. If you use numerals for percentages in one part of your document, stick with numerals throughout.
Here are some specific examples:
- "The company reported a 10% increase in profits." (This is a good example of using numerals in informal writing.)
- "According to the survey, twenty percent of respondents said they were satisfied with the product." (This is a good example of writing out a percentage in formal writing.)
Ultimately, the best way to decide whether to write out a percentage or use numerals is to consider the context of your writing and the audience you are trying to reach.
