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.
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.”
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.