In AP style, how should percentages be formatted?

In AP style, how should percentages be formatted?

• A. Use numerals and the percent symbol
• B. Spell out the word percent
• C. Always spell out numbers and percent
• D. Use the word percent only in headlines

Answer: (D)

In AP style, use the numeral with the percent sign when writing percentages, like 5% or 12.5%. If the number is written out in words, follow it with the word percent (five percent, twelve and a half percent). In headlines, AP typically spells out percent instead of using the symbol. This approach keeps numbers visually clear in body text while maintaining readability when numbers are written in words.

In AP style, use the numeral with the percent sign when writing percentages, like 5% or 12.5%. If the number is written out in words, follow it with the word percent (five percent, twelve and a half percent). In headlines, AP typically spells out percent instead of using the symbol. This approach keeps numbers visually clear in body text while maintaining readability when numbers are written in words.