Numbers and units of measure

When using numbers in running text, follow these guidelines:

• Spell out numbers from one to nine. However, use numerals for units of measure.

• Use Arabic numerals for numbers above ten.

• If a numeral starts a sentence, spell it out. For example: Five thousand environments have been deployed during the last six months.

• In one sentence, use either a spelled-out number or a numeral, not both.

• Use a comma if a numeral includes more than 4 digits. For example: 50,000.

In mathematical expressions:

• Use the x symbol for multiplication.

• Add a space between numbers and operators. For example: 256 x 2 = 512.

When using units of measure in running text, follow these guidelines:

• Use the corresponding unit symbol if a unit of measure comes immediately after a numeral.

  • Kb for kilobit

  • KB for kilobyte

  • kbps for kilobits per second

  • GB for gigabyte

  • Gbit for gigabit

  • MB for megabyte

• Do not pluralize an abbreviated unit of measure.

• Add a space between a numeral and a unit of measure.

This documentation, is a derivative of Writing style by OpenStack, used under CC BY.