Using Commas with Numbers
The Quick AnswerCommas can be used with large numbers to assist the reader. They are placed every three decimal places to the left of the decimal point. For example:
- 123.456,789 (This would be correct in many non-English-speaking countries, such as Germany and France.)
Using Commas with NumbersCommas can be used to make reading numbers a little easier. They are placed every 3 decimal places for numbers larger than 999.
- 8,000.0123456 (Commas are not used to the right of the decimal point.)
Do Not Add Commas to Serial or Reference NumbersDo not put your own commas in serial numbers, reference numbers, or 4-figure years. For example:
- According to the document with reference number 912345, serial number 1654880 was destroyed in 1984.
- The film is set in 10,000 BC.
No Commas to the Right of the Decimal PointDo not use commas to the right of the decimal point.
- 4,567.123,456 (This would be considered unusual.)
Beware Other Conventions for Writing NumbersThe use of commas and full stops in numbers is not consistent across the world. Below are the four most common conventions:
- 4,567.1 (United Kingdom, United States, China)
- 4.567,1 (This convention is used in most of Europe. It is the convention used by most countries.)
- 4 567,1 and 4 567.1 (The practice of using a space to separate the 1000s is also common.)