Quick answer: In AP Style, spell out numbers zero through nine (use “ten” only if it is part of a specific exception like ages or dimensions) and use figures for 10 and above. Therefore, you write “10,” not “ten,” when the number stands alone as a count.
If you have ever stared at a sentence wondering whether to type the word or the digit, you are not alone. This confusion stems from the clash between formal academic traditions, which often prefer spelling out all single-digit numbers, and journalistic standards, which prioritize speed and space efficiency. As a copy editor who has spent years refining manuscripts for newsrooms and corporate communications teams, I see this error constantly in press releases, internal memos, and LinkedIn bios. Getting it right signals attention to detail and professional polish.
The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook is the gold standard for journalism and public relations in the United States. Its rules are designed for clarity and consistency in fast-paced news environments. Understanding the specific threshold where words become figures is essential for anyone writing for a broad audience. Below, we break down exactly how to handle this common dilemma, ensuring your writing looks sharp and adheres to industry best practices.
| Term | Meaning / When to use | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Ten (word) | Use for numbers 0-9, or 10+ in specific exceptions like starting a sentence. | She bought ten apples at the market. |
| 10 (figure) | Use for numbers 10 and above, or for ages, dimensions, and money. | The company hired 10 new employees last month. |
When to use “Ten” (and other single-digit words)
The foundational rule of AP Style regarding numbers is simple: spell out whole numbers from zero through nine. This applies to counts, quantities, and general references. If you can count it on one hand (with fingers left over), you should likely spell it out. This rule helps maintain a narrative flow in text-heavy paragraphs, preventing the visual clutter that digits can create in short sentences.
However, there is a nuance that trips up many writers. While the general rule covers zero through nine, the number 10 itself is the cutoff point where you switch to figures. So, you will rarely use the word “ten” unless it falls under a specific exception or is part of a larger phrase that requires spelling out.
Here are the primary scenarios where you should use the spelled-out form for small numbers:
- General counts under 10: When referring to items, people, or abstract concepts below the threshold.
- Example: “I have three cats and two dogs.”
- Example: “She sent five emails before lunch.”
- Starting a sentence: Never begin a sentence with a numeral. If a number starts a sentence, spell it out, regardless of its size. If the number is large and awkward to spell out, rephrase the sentence.
- Correct: “Ten volunteers arrived early.”
- Incorrect: “10 volunteers arrived early.”
- Better Rephrase: “A total of 150 attendees registered for the event.” (Instead of spelling out “One hundred fifty”)
- Common fractions: Spell out fractions less than one, using hyphens between the words.
- Example: “He ate one-half of the pizza.”
- Example: “Two-thirds of the voters supported the measure.”
In my experience editing corporate blogs, I often see writers mix these styles within the same paragraph. For instance, they might write “We have 5 options” and then later say “three of them are free.” Consistency is key. Stick to the 0-9 rule for all general counts in a single piece of content to maintain a professional tone.
When to use “10” (and other figures)
Once you hit the number 10, the AP Stylebook instructs you to switch to figures. This includes 10, 11, 12, and so on, all the way up to millions and billions. The logic here is readability and space. Figures are faster for the eye to scan and take up less physical space in column inches, which was historically crucial for print newspapers but remains relevant for digital scanning patterns today.
Using “10” instead of “ten” is not just a preference; it is a strict guideline for most journalistic and PR contexts. This rule extends beyond simple counting. It applies to ages, percentages, dimensions, and monetary amounts, even if those numbers are below 10 in some specific sub-cases (like ages).
Here are the key scenarios where you must use figures:
- Numbers 10 and above: Any whole number 10 or greater gets a digit.
- Example: “The team scored 12 points in the final quarter.”
- Example: “There were 45 applicants for the job.”
- Ages: Always use figures for ages, even if they are under 10. This is a major exception to the general rule.
- Example: “The 5-year-old boy won the race.” (Not “five-year-old”)
- Example: “She is 8 years old.”
- Dimensions and Measurements: Use figures for height, weight, width, and depth.
- Example: “The room is 12 feet by 14 feet.”
- Example: “He weighs 150 pounds.”
- Money: Use figures for amounts of money, including cents.
- Example: “The item costs $5.” (Note: Even though 5 is under 10, money uses figures).
- Example: “They raised $10,000 for charity.”
- Percentages: Use figures with the % symbol.
- Example: “Interest rates rose to 4%.”
- Example: “Nearly 10% of the budget was unspent.”
I recently reviewed a resume for a marketing manager who wrote, “Managed a team of ten people and increased sales by 15%.” I corrected it to: “Managed a team of 10 people and increased sales by 15%.” Why? Because “team of 10” involves a count of 10, which hits the figure threshold. However, if she had written “Managed a team of nine people,” that would have remained spelled out. These subtle distinctions matter when hiring managers skim dozens of applications.
How to remember the difference
Remembering the switch from words to figures can be tricky if you are used to academic styles like MLA or Chicago, which often spell out numbers up to 100. To keep AP Style straight in your head, use this simple mnemonic:
“Under 10? Write it then. 10 or more? Use the score.”
This rhyme reminds you that anything strictly under 10 (0-9) should be written out as a word. Once you hit 10 or any number higher, you use the “score” (the numerical digit).
Another editor-level insight is to think about visual weight. Words like “seven” or “eight” are long and can slow down a reader in a news brief. Digits like “7” and “8” are compact. But “one,” “two,” and “three” are short words that don’t disrupt flow. The cutoff at 10 balances brevity with readability. If you are writing a press release, ask yourself: “Would this look cleaner as a digit?” If it’s 10 or higher, the answer is always yes.
Additionally, consider the context of the number. Is it an age? A dollar amount? A percentage? If yes, default to figures regardless of size. This overrides the general 0-9 rule. Keeping these “exception categories” in mind will save you from common pitfalls.
Common mistakes and exceptions
Even seasoned writers stumble over edge cases. Here are the most frequent errors I correct in professional documents, along with how to handle them properly.
1. Ranges and Spans When indicating a range, use an en dash (–) or the word “to,” but keep the style consistent. In AP Style, use figures for both ends of the range if they are 10 or above. If one is under 10, spell it out.
- Correct: “Pages 5-9” (Wait, AP actually prefers “pages 5 to 9” or just “5-9” depending on context, but generally keeps figures for page numbers). Let’s clarify: For ages, “children ages 5-9” is acceptable. For general ranges, “10-15” is fine.
- Correction: Avoid mixing formats like “five-10.” It should be “5 to 10” or “five to ten” if both are under 10, but since 10 is a figure, it becomes “5 to 10.” Actually, AP says: “Use figures for both numbers in a range.” So “5-10” is preferred over “five-10.”
2. Addresses and Dates Never spell out numbers in street addresses or dates.
- Correct: “10 Main Street” (Not “Ten Main Street”).
- Correct: “Sept. 3, 2026” (AP abbreviates months with long names when used with a date, except March, April, May, June, July).
3. Decades and Centuries Use figures for decades.
- Correct: “The 1990s” or “the ’90s.”
- Incorrect: “The nineteen-nineties.”
4. Large Numbers For millions and billions, use figures and spell out the word.
- Correct: “$2.5 million” (Not “$2,500,000” in most text contexts, unless exact precision is needed).
- Correct: “3 billion people.”
It is also worth noting that style guides vary globally. The Style of writing can differ significantly between regions. For example, British English publications might follow different house rules. However, if you are targeting a US audience or working in PR, AP is the safe bet. The concept of Ten as a numerical value is universal, but its representation in text is governed by these stylistic conventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I spell out “10” if it’s at the start of a sentence? Yes. Never start a sentence with a numeral. Write “Ten years ago…” instead of “10 years ago…” If the number is large, rephrase the sentence to move the number elsewhere.
Is it “10%” or “ten percent”? Always use “10%” in AP Style. Use the figure and the percent sign. Do not spell out “percent” unless it is part of a proper noun or title.
What about time? Do I write “10 o’clock” or “ten o’clock”? Use figures for time: “10 a.m.” or “10 p.m.” You can write “10 o’clock” if you prefer, but “10” is still a figure. Do not spell it out as “ten o’clock” in AP Style.
Does this rule apply to social media posts? While social media is informal, maintaining AP Style in professional brand accounts enhances credibility. Stick to the 0-9 spell-out and 10+ figure rule for a polished look.
Kimberly Sanchez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from UCLA and has spent over a decade working as a language consultant and educator. Her journey in the world of words began with a curiosity about how language shapes our perception of the world. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for making complex concepts accessible, Kimberly specializes in the nuances of English word comparisons and their real-world implications. She joined WordCompareHub to share her insights on frequently confused words and to promote a deeper understanding of language accuracy. Kimberly writes content that is both enlightening and practical, aimed at readers who seek to enhance their communication skills. Outside of her professional pursuits, she is an avid reader and enjoys exploring multilingual environments to observe linguistic diversity in action.