Numbers and dates

Figures

In general, numbers between one and nine inclusive should be written out in full. Numbers from 10 upwards should appear as figures. In a text with references to lots of figures, it is acceptable to use numbers throughout.

Numbers from 1 000 upwards should be separated with a non-breaking space (Ctrl-Shift SPACE) and those from 1 000 000 upwards two non-breaking spaces. A comma can be used instead of a non-breaking space, but not in formal publications.
In English, decimal points are written as full stops, and not commas (45.25, not 45,25).
When writing percentages, the percentage symbol (%) should come directly after the figure, with no space between.
Million and billion should always be written out in full, e.g. 200 million, or 200 billion, rather than using abbreviations (M, m, mn etc.). One billion means 1 000 million.
Connect ranges of numbers with an en dash: 5 000–6 000; 5–6%.* It is no longer considered wrong to use a hyphen instead. In running text, always use ‘to’ instead of a hyphen or en dash: e.g. ‘Sales rose from five million to six million (not ‘five million–six million’).
Never start a sentence with a figure: write the number in words instead. Avoid starting sentences or paragraphs with large numbers.
The code for the euro is the symbol €. EUR can also be used. In running text use the term ‘euro’ (singular and lower case) instead. Currency values should always be given in figures. Use the format €250 million, not any other form. For a full list of currencies and their abbreviations, consult the ISO list.

* You can type an en dash in Microsoft Word by pressing ctrl and the hyphen on the numerical keypad. To type an em dash press ctrl-alt and the hyphen on the numerical keypad.

Dates & Times

Dates

Write dates like this: 1 September 2003, 22 July 1968.

It is not necessary to put commas between items. Months and years should always be given in full: e.g., not 3.12.96, 3/11/96 or 3 December 96, or 3rd December 1996. When referring to decades, write: the 1990s (with no apostrophe), not the 1990’s. For fixed periods, use an en dash: 1994–96; 1999–2002.

Do not mix styles. Write ‘between 1941 and 1945’ not ‘between 1941–1945. Wherever possible, use 2004 and not ‘the year 2004’.

Times

These should normally be given on the basis of the 24-hour clock – e.g., 05.00, 13.30, 23.15, 00.30. In running text, periods of time involving hours should be written as follows: six hours, 8.5 hours. If you go into more detail, spell it out: eight hours and 15 minutes instead of 8.25 hours.

Telephone numbers

Write telephone numbers as follows:

Use all numbers in their international form, using the + sign as a prefix without a space.
After the international dialling code and a space, the complete number, including the regional code if there is one, is presented in a single block.
In the EU, the regional prefix (typically a 0) is no longer to be used as part of the way numbers are written, even if they continue to be used nationally.
Use a slash to separate different extensions at the end.

Examples:

Netherlands +31 582268377
France +33 140587738
Luxembourg +352 6613212/13/14