Percentages: The Great Chicago Style Debate
Okay, so you've got this paper due, and you're knee-deep in the murky waters of Chicago style. You're cruising along, feeling pretty confident, when suddenly, a tiny, insignificant little thing called percentages rears its ugly head. Should you write them out? Use numerals? And what about that pesky percent sign? Fear not, intrepid writer! We're about to dive into the nitty-gritty of percentages in Chicago style, and by the end of this post, you'll be a percentage-pro.
Percentages: To Spell Out or Not to Spell Out?
That is the question. And the answer, as with most things in life, is it depends.
General Rule of Thumb: Use numerals with the percent sign (e.g., 25%).Exception to the rule: If you can spell out the percentage in three words or less, you can do so (e.g., forty-five percent).
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Three words or less? That's so specific! How am I supposed to remember that?" Well, my friend, you're not alone. This rule can be a real head-scratcher. But don't worry, with a little practice, you'll be a percentage-spelling champ in no time.
When to Be Extra Careful
Things get a little trickier when you're dealing with percentages at the beginning of a sentence. In this case, you'll need to spell out the whole number (e.g., Twenty-five percent of students said they preferred pizza to tacos).
Avoid Percentage Points
One more thing to keep in mind: avoid using "percentage points" unless you're absolutely sure you need to. It can be confusing and unnecessary in most cases. Just stick with good old percentages.
FAQ: Percentage Perfection
- How to write a percentage at the beginning of a sentence? Spell out the entire percentage.
- How to write a percentage less than 100? Use numerals followed by the percent sign (e.g., 25%).
- How to write a percentage if it can be spelled out in three words or less? You can spell it out (e.g., forty-five percent).
- How to write a percentage when referring to a change? Use numerals followed by the percent sign (e.g., increased by 10%).
- How to avoid confusion with percentage points? Stick to using percentages unless absolutely necessary.
There you have it! You're now a percentage expert. Go forth and conquer your Chicago style paper with confidence. And remember, if you're still feeling unsure, there's no shame in double-checking the Chicago Manual of Style. After all, even the best writers need a little help sometimes.