Dimensions and Measurements — Figures and Spelled-Out Units
Numbers
Rulebase Summary
When expressing dimensions and measurements, use figures and always spell out the unit of measure — inches, feet, yards, ounces, pounds, degrees. Avoid using the symbol 'x' in running text to mean 'times' or 'by.'
Examples
A. The room was 12 x 15 ft.
A. The room was 12 by 15 feet.
Spell out units of measure and avoid the symbol 'x' for 'by' in running text.
A. He described himself as 6'2", 210 lbs.
A. He described himself as 6 feet 2 inches, 210 pounds.
Spell out inches, feet, and pounds — do not use abbreviations or symbols in transcript text.
Transcript Notes
Because the court reporter also hears shortened versions of dimensions, using words, not digits or unspoken expressions, may prevent confusion (five-four, six-two, six-footer, four-twelve for weight).
Style Guide References (3)
Morson's
BGGP
BGGP