Spell out common units of measure in narrative copy.
Cut it into 23-inch squares.
The package contains 14 ounces.
The table stands 26 inches high. (the 26-inch-high table)
The room measures 160 square feet.
Spell out lengthy units of measure on first use, and follow them with their abbreviations in parentheses.
Use abbreviations in subsequent references.
The capacity of each size is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm). A
5x9-foot bath would need at least a 48-cfm fan.
They said their power company charges too much per kilowatt-hour (kwh).
The charge is 7 cents per kwh.
EXCEPTIONS:
Always use mph and rpm when preceded by figures.
Use F. only when necessary to distinguish Fahrenheit from Celsius (C.).
Spell out measurements in materials lists.
2-millimeter bead
One 10-inch string
Do not use a comma in phrases such as:
2 feet 6 inches
In all but crafts magazines, use the Dimension X to connect numbers in a measurement. (Dimension X: Select text, then navigate to Window/Automation/Scripts and select "Convert Characters." If this script is not installed on your computer, see a staff copy editor.)
5x9-foot room
12x45-inch fabric strip
13x9x2-inch baking pan
Hyphenate a measurement used as an adjective.
The 5-foot-7-inch sofa
In measurements, use linear foot not lineal foot.
See also Numbers.
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