Rulebase

Money — Cents, Dollars and Cents Together

Numbers

Rulebase Summary

When only cents are expressed and the amount is ten or above, use the figure and the word 'cents.' When the cent amount is below ten, spell the number out. When dollars and cents appear together in a single expression, use figures throughout. In a series involving both dollars and cents, use the dollar sign, figures, and the decimal point for every entry to maintain consistency.

Morson's Rule 191 · p.117 Morson's Rule 192 · p.117 Morson's Rule 193 · p.118 BGGP Number.23 · p.333 BGGP Number.25 · p.334

Examples

A. It cost 5 cents a piece.

A. It cost five cents apiece.

Cent amounts below ten are spelled out.

A. The prices were $4, $5.50, and 75 cents.

A. The prices were $4.00, $5.50, and $0.75.

In a series mixing dollars and cents, use the dollar sign, figures, and decimals throughout for consistency.

Transcript Notes

When only cents are expressed, use the figure and the word 'cents' (30 cents, 47 cents). When the cents are below ten, spell the number out (two cents, seven cents).

When dollars and cents are used together in a numerical expression, use figures with the dollar sign and decimal point ($89.95, $29.95). When a series of numbers uses dollars and cents, use the dollar sign, figures, and decimal point throughout.

If the words 'dollars' and 'cents' are not actually spoken, do not include the symbols or decimals — let the record speak for itself.

Style Guide References (5)

Morson's

Rule 191 Page 117

Morson's

Rule 192 Page 117

Morson's

Rule 193 Page 118

BGGP

Number.23 Page 333

BGGP

Number.25 Page 334
See also (2)