
## Identify the Numerals in Your Content With INK Number Counter

<img width="100%" loading='lazy' alt="Number Counter" srcset="/number-counter/Number-counter.webp" src="/number-counter/Number-counter.webp">

**INK Number Counter** can help identify the numerals in your text.

**Main Takeaways:**

- Spell out **numbers** that appear at the beginning of sentences.
- Spell out **numbers** that begin from one to nine (or ten).
- Write large **numbers** that are above ten as numerals.
- When **numbers** appear in a pair, spell one out for clarity.
- The rules above can vary depending on the style guide.
- Use **INK Number Counter** to identify the numerals in your text.

We use numbers in our [English
language](https://blog.inkforall.com/difficult-words), whether to tel l
time or to express percentages. Expectedly, there are rules for using
**numerals** in writings based on the style guide.

For example, while you can spell out specific **numbers in letters**,
others should only be written in numerals. Knowing when to write
numerals in a text can be confusing. This is especially true when you're
not familiar with the style guide conventions.

This post explores the various ways to write **numbers** in English.
You'll also learn the rules for expressing **numerals** based on three
writing style guides. These are **MLA style**, **APA style**, and the
**Chicago Manual of Style**.

## How to Write Numbers in English Texts

<img width="100%" loading='lazy' alt="How to write numbers in english texts" srcset="/number-counter/how-to-write-numbers-in-english-texts.webp" src="/number-counter/how-to-write-numbers-in-english-texts.webp">

### Beginning a Sentence with a Number

The first rule when dealing with **numbers** in a text is simple. Always
spell out **numbers** when they appear at the beginning of a sentence,
regardless of how large they might be.

**Example**:

- **9** new plays are showing in the theater — Incorrect
- **Nine** new plays are showing in the theater — correct

Sometimes, a **number** might be too large to appear at the beginning of
a sentence. In this case, consider rearranging the sentence such that
the number no longer comes first.

Example:

There are **9** new plays showing in the theater

## Writing Small and Large Numbers 

<img width="100%" loading='lazy' alt="Writing small and large numbers" srcset="/number-counter/writing-small-and-large-numbers.webp" src="/number-counter/writing-small-and-large-numbers.webp">

Spell out **small numbers** that range from one to nine — or ten,
depending on the style guide. On the other hand, **larger numbers** that
are above ten should be written as **numerals**.

**Example**:

- There are **twelve thousand, five hundred** books in the library —
  incorrect
- There are **12,500** books in the library — correct

The reasoning behind this rule is fairly obvious. Writing out **large
numbers** in yourcontent is a waste of space, and it can also be
distracting.

### Writing Decimals

The rules for writing **decimals** are not the same as **whole numbers**.
For accuracy and clarity, it's essential to always to write
**decimals** as **numerals**.

**Example**:

The book weighs **four point five** kg — incorrectThe answer is
**4.5**kg — correct

Note that a **number**that comes immediately before a unit of
measurement should be in **numeral**, not words.

### Writing Paired Numbers

Two words can appear next to each other in a sentence, and this can be
confusing for readers. So, you consider spelling out one of these words
for clarity.

**Example**:

- There were **12 5-year-old** children at the party — incorrect
- There were **twelve** 5-year-old children at the party — correct

### Writing Percentages

When expressing percentage in your text, the standard is to combine the
**numeral** with "**%,**" and not "**percent**."

**Example**:

- Roughly **40%** of food goes to waste in the U.S.

The exception to this rule is when you're beginning your sentence with a
percentage. Also, note that this rule varies based on the style guide.

## Style Guides Rules for Writing Numbers in Words

### MLA style

The MLA style recommends spelling out any **number** that you can write
in one word or two.

**Examples**:

- Six, thirty-two, one-millions.

However, other numbers in a text should always appear as numerals.

Also, the **MLA handbook** suggests using numerals when dealing with
mathematical expressions or **units of measurement**. Regardless of how
large or small the **number** may be, it would be best to use
**numerals**.

The MLA Style also has rules for writing a range of years that begin in
**1000 AD**. If the first two digits of a year are the same, you must
include only the last two digits for the second year.

**Example**:

- 1975-79.

However, if the first two digits are different, you should write out the
**numbers** entirely.

**Example**:

- 1945-2005.

### APA style

**APA style** uses words for any **number** that's below 10 — that's one,
two, three, four, and so on. **Numbers** from 10 and above should appear
as **numerals** in a text.

Like the MLA style, APA style guide also requires the use of
**numerals** when presenting **numerical data**.

APA style doesn't have specific rules for a range of **numbers**. But,
this style guide emphasizes clarity and specificity. As such, you should
always write a range of **numbers** or dates its full form.

**Example**:

- 1985-1989.

### The Chicago Manual of Style

According to the **Chicago Manual of Style**, you must spell out
**numbers** zero to one hundred. Then, use **numerals** for
**numbers** that are over one hundred.

You must also spell out specific round **numbers** [such
as](https://blog.inkforall.com/comma-before-such-as) one hundred, one
thousand, one hundred thousand, two hundred thousand. However, this rule
doesn't apply when dealing with a percentage or monetary amount.

**Example**:

- \$100, 72 percent.

## Using INK Number Counter

<img width="100%" loading='lazy' alt="Using ink number checker" srcset="/number-counter/using-ink-number-counter.webp" src="/number-counter/using-ink-number-counter.webp">

Identifying the **numerals**in your text can be tedious when done
manually. The good news is you can automate the process using **INK
Number Counter**.

Paste your content in the text box, and click the Analyze icon to begin.
The tool will provide the **number count** within seconds.

### Read More: [How To Use Whose Vs. Who's Correctly](https://blog.inkforall.com/whose-vs-whos)
