Make it so, Number One
Many constitutions do not follow good or even consistent style for numbers. One place says "10%" and another says "10 percent", another "ten percent" and another "ten percent (10%)". What’s the right way?
The basic rule of thumb is this: If the number is under 10, write it out as a word. Otherwise, leave it a number.
There are a few exceptions. Proper things, such as currency, and decimals are always left as numbers. Ordinal numbers are always written out (always "first" instead of "1st").
Warning: Never repeat numbers in parentheses. They are either written as the number or as the word. "Ten (10) percent" and "ten percent (10%)" are both wrong.
| Numbers under 10 | Only nine percent showed up. |
|---|---|
| Number 10 and over | But 10 percent is required for quorum. |
| Decimals | Be more specific: 9.6 percent are here. |
| Proper Things | Quorum is defined in provision C10.04. |
| Currency | The congregation authorized $1 for mission support. |
| Ordinal numbers | First, second, and third Two-thirds, three-fifths, and four-sevenths |