5.23 Plurals

Plurals of numerals are usually formed by adding an s:

• the 1960s
• five 55s
• The bonds are 4½ s.
• Korolev scored 9.85s on the floor and pommel horse exercises.

In cases where this might cause misreading, add an apostrophe and s or italicize the numerals:

• Her performance earned her three 5.8’s.
• His 5’s look like 6’s.
• His 5s look like 6s.

Whichever practice is adopted, consistency should be maintained in any one document.

Do not pluralize SI/metric symbols:

• 5 kg not 5 kgs

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