Numbers

Spell out zero through nine. Use numerals for numbers greater than nine.

Example: Ontario Tech University will welcome seven new faculty members this September. The university’s professors collectively speak more than 20 languages.

Use numerals for number ranges.

Example: There are 2 to 11 people attending the event.

Spell out any number that begins a sentence.

Example: Eighty invention disclosures have been submitted since 2003.

Use commas with all numbers 1,000 and above.

Example: The facility spans 15,000 square feet.

Use numerals when referencing grades, days, room numbers and years. Capitalize the word unless it is pluralized.

Example: Day 1, Grade 7, Room 1350.

Example: Students in grades 9 to 12 are invited to participate.

Exception: Use numerals for sports scores and voting results.

Example: The Ridgebacks won the game 3–1. 

Example: The new policy was passed by a 19–6 margin. 

Ordinals

Spell out first through ninth. Use numerals with th, st, nd, or rd for 10 and above.

Example: She finished third in the competition.
Example: He placed 12th in the rankings.

Do not use ordinals with dates.

Example: The event is on April 5, not April 5th.

Ordinals are always lowercase.

Example: The team finished 5th in the standings.