Symbols

  • When referring to a symbol, spell out the name of the symbol and then enter the symbol in parentheses after it. For example:
    • When using an equal (=) sign, add one space on each side.
    • Wrap greater-than (>) and less-than (<) signs in parentheses rather than quotation marks.
  • Omit a space between a number and a single-letter abbreviation or unit symbol: 90%, 401(k)
  • Don't pluralize single letters, symbols, or mathematical signs by adding an apostrophe and an s.
  • Spell out terms such as pi and theta instead of using the symbol.