How do I style numbers referring to charts of record sales?
Follow the MLA’s general rule for styling numbers (MLA Handbook, sec. 1.4.1). In discussions where few numbers appear, spell out those that can be written… Read More
Posts related to numbers
Do I need to use quotation marks around numerical data that I quote from sources?
No. For an example, see our post on citing raw data. Read More
How do I style compound modifiers that express number ranges?
The MLA follows The Chicago Manual of Style’s rules for hyphening number ranges in modifiers (“Hyphenation Guide”). When the compound is an adjective, the compound… Read More
If I am discussing a story collection that uses line numbers, should the page numbers or the line numbers be cited?
In general, the page numbers should be cited. Line numbers, if provided, are most helpful to readers for citations of “commonly studied poems and verse… Read More
How are notes numbered and placed in the MLA’s books?
In edited collections of essays, the MLA places notes at the end of each essay and restarts note numbering at 1. We follow the same… Read More
How should I format math equations in my paper?
For guidance on formatting mathematical expressions, we defer to our colleagues at The Chicago Manual of Style (“Mathematics”). For guidance on citing mathematical theories, see our… Read More
How does the MLA style 9/11, when it refers to the attacks on the United States on that date?
In our publications, we allow either September 11 or 9/11. Whichever form is chosen must be used consistently throughout a work. Read More
Should there be a space between a time and a.m. and p.m. in both prose and works-cited-list entries?
Yes. In MLA style, there should always be a space between the time and a.m. and p.m.: Responding to the MLA Style Center post “Apostrophes,”… Read More
How do I style percentages?
The general guideline is to use the percentage symbol with numerals and to use the word percent with spelled-out numbers. In statistical copy that calls… Read More
How do I style a percentage at the start of a sentence?
Since you should never begin a sentence with a numeral, you should first try to reword the sentence. If you find it unwieldy to reorder… Read More