The following chart outlines CSI formatting standards for using numbers in specifications .

 

Formatting Numbers

 

 

  • Spell out feet when no inches are used.  

(8 feet)

 

  • Spell out inches when no feet are used.  

(8 inches)

 

  • When using both feet and inches, it is permissible to use symbols.  

(8'-8",  8'-2-1/2")

 

  • A complete dimension must appear on one line; do not separate.

 

  • Standard designations must appear on one line; do not separate.

(ASTM C 270, ANSI ASME A17.1)  

 

  • Use numbers whenever possible, and always for dimensions.

 

  • When defining both quantity and dimensions, use the written word for quantity and the number for the dimension.  

(three 1/2 inch holes)

 

  • Always use figures for degrees, percent, and money.

(3 inches by 5 inches, 50 degrees F (20 degrees C), 20 percent, $5.50).

 

  • Decimals should be expressed in figures.  

(6.235)

 

  • For quantities less than one, a zero should be used before the decimal point.  

(0.235)

 

  • To maintain uniformity throughout the specification, fractions should be typed using individual keys rather than the limited number of fraction keys provided on standard keyboards.  

(1/4 and 1/2)

 

  • Omit unnecessary zeroes in time and money references.

($200, 9 p.m.)