Content style guide
Numbers, signs, and symbols
Use numerals
We use numerals, or figures, for all numbers, including 1 to 10. Numerals are easier to scan on a screen. They can also be helpful to readers with lower literacy and people whose first language isn’t English.
When including numbers as part of a series, date, or range, always default to numerals.
Exceptions
- Spell out “one” when it’s used in expressions like one-to-one, one-on-one, one-time, and “one of the reasons…” Use the numeral “1” for all other instances.
- Spell out ordinals up to tenth (first, second, third, etc.), unless it’s part of a series or range. After “tenth,” use: 11th, 12th, etc.
Like this
You must meet at least 1 of these eligibility requirements.
Get help completing your application, including one-on-one consultation.
You may qualify for one-time dental care if you’re in Class II and you meet these requirements.
One of the reasons to meet with a VSOC counselor is to get help with disability accommodations.
All runners-up from 5th to 11th place will receive an honorable mention.
If you select the third option, you’ll need to apply in person at a VA facility.
Choose from 1 of 5 VA-backed loan options.
You have a disability that started within 1 year after your discharge.
Not this
You must meet at least one of these eligibility requirements.
Get help completing your application, including 1-on-1 consultation.
You may qualify for 1-time dental care if you’re in Class II and you meet these requirements.
1 of the reasons to meet with a VSOC counselor is to get help with disability accommodations.
All runners-up from fifth to 11th place will receive an honorable mention.
If you select the 3rd option, you’ll need to apply in person at a VA facility.
Choose from one of 5 VA-backed loan options.
You have a disability that started within one year after your discharge.
Fractions
Avoid using fractions since this can cause issues for people using screen readers. Instead, use percentages. If the content only has “full time” and “half time,” you can use the word “half” instead of “50%.” But don’t mix fractions and “half.”
Like this
You may be eligible for this benefit if you’re enrolled full time or half time.
- Full-time enrollment: $407.00
- 75% enrollment: $305.00
- 50% enrollment: $203.25
- Less than 50% enrollment: $101.75
Not this
You may be eligible for this benefit if you’re enrolled full time, half time, or 75% time.
- Full-time enrollment: $407.00
- 3/4-time enrollment: $305.00
- 1/2-time enrollment: $203.25
- Less than 1/2-time enrollment: $101.75
Length of time
When writing out a length of time, you can use a combination of units to make the content easy to understand. For example, XX hours and XX minutes. Only use decimals, like 3.5 hours, in a table with limited space.
Like this
5 hours and 15 minutes
7 hours and 30 minutes
6 months to 1 year
2 years and 6 months
Not this
5.25 hours
7 and a half hours
6 to 12 months
2 and a half years
Measurements
Add a space between the number and the unit of measure.
Like this
Files can’t be larger than 25 MB.
Not this
Files can’t be larger than 25MB.
Money
- When you have a dollar amount that doesn’t include cents in running text, don’t add the “.00” at the end
- When you have a dollar amount that doesn’t include cents in a list or a table, add the “.00” at the end
Like this
We’ll charge your entitlement at the rate of 1 month for each $2,150 paid.
- Months 1 to 6: $999.00 for each full month
- Months 7 to 12: $751.75 for each full month
- Months 13 to 18: $493.00 for each full month
- More than 19 months: $251.25 for each full month
Not this
We’ll charge your entitlement at the rate of 1 month for each $2,150.00 paid.
- Months 1 to 6: $999 for each full month
- Months 7 to 12: $751.75 for each full month
- Months 13 to 18: $493 for each full month
- More than 19 months: $251.25 for each full month
Negative numbers
Use “-” in front of any negative number, including negative numbers in a table. This is the most accessible option for people using screen readers.
Like this
-100
Not this
(100)
Signs and symbols
We use certain symbols in content throughout VA.gov. Well-known signs and symbols can be easier to scan.
Ampersand
Don’t use ampersands (&) in headers or body copy. Spell out “and.” The exception is if it’s part of a proper noun, such as a program name.
Like this
Resources and support
VR&E program
Not this
Resources & support
VR and E program
Dollar sign
In general, use the dollar sign instead of spelling out “dollars.” Don’t add a space between the dollar sign and the number.
Add “$” to table cells so screenreaders read the number as dollars and cents and not as a standard decimal.
Like this
We’ll pay the tuition and mandatory fees up to $27,120.05 for this academic year (August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024).
Degree symbol
When pairing with a specific number, use the degree symbol. Don’t add a space between the number and degree symbol or the degree symbol and F or C.
Like this
The temperature was 10°C
Not this
The temperature was 10 °C
Or
The temperature was 10° C
Percent sign
Use numerals and the % symbol, with no space between the number and %. This style follows the practice for scientific and technical writing, and differs from 18F.
Like this
Here are the monthly benefit amounts for a single Veteran with no children and a disability rating of 10% to 100%:
- 10% disability rating: —
- 20% disability rating: —
Or
If you have a 50% disability and a 30% disability, the combined disability rating is 65%.
Not this
Here are monthly benefit amounts for a single Veteran with no children and a disability rating of 10 percent to 100 percent:
- 10 percent disability rating: —
- 20 percent disability rating: —
Or
If you have a 50 percent disability and a 30 percent disability, the combined disability rating is 65 percent.