Numbers, currency, dates and time
Numbers
Write numbers including 0 to 9 in numerals, not words. Numerals are usually easier to scan and understand.
Only use words instead of numerals where numerals might look odd or cause confusion. For example, as part of common expressions like 'one or two of them', or very large numbers like '6 million'.
For numbers over 999, use a comma as a separator. For example: ‘1,000’.
Only use 'k' to mean 'thousands' or 'M' for 'millions' where needed due to limited space within visuals and graphics. Anywhere else in the user interface, write the number in numerals. For example, within an image or graphic with limited space, you might write '25k accesses', but anywhere else in the UI you should write '25,000 accesses'.
Do not use a hyphen for number, time or date ranges. Instead use the word 'to'.
Examples:
20 to 30
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Currency
When writing amounts of money, use the correct currency symbol and currency code together.
If you can, introduce the currency code acronym in the text before writing out the amount of money.
For United Staes Dollars and Great British Pounds, use a comma as a separator of threes. Only use a decimal point if there are cents or pence to display. You do not need to show ‘.00’ if there are no cents or pence.
For Euros use a full stop as a separator if threes. Only use a comma if there are cents to display. You do not need to show ',00' if there are no cents.
Our most common currencies are:
- United States Dollars: $, USD
- Euros: €, EUR
- Great British Pounds £, GBP
Examples:
You can only pay in United States Dollars (USD). The cost is $54.67 USD.
$1,234,567.89 USD
The current APC for Discover Oncology is £1,090 GBP / $1,590 USD / €1.190 EUR
Dates
Write dates in full to avoid confusion.
Use this format: 28 September 2022
Do not use the shortened version, for example 'Sept', unless it is unavoidable.
Do not use ordinals, for example ‘st’, ‘nd’ or ‘th’. These are not needed.
Do not use the word 'the' in front of the date.
Time
Use the 24 hour clock to give times of the day.
If you know what timezone all your users are in, use that timezone. In all other cases, show times in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Use a colon (:) between the numbers.
Use ‘to’ instead of a hyphen in date or time ranges. This makes it easier for screen readers.
Examples:
We received your submission at 13:24 (UTC).
Our system will be down for maintenance between 23:59 and 03:00 (UTC).
Please apply before 16:00 (UTC). What’s this in my timezone?.
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