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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:

  • kg not 5 kgs