# Dates and numbers

How to format dates, numbers, currency, punctuation and lists.

Section: content
Docs: https://nebula.kaluza.com/content/dates-and-numbers

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## Dates

The standard format is **DD MMM YYYY**: day as a numeral, month as a 3-letter abbreviation, full 4-digit year.

| Format | Example | Use when |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 14 Jan 2025 | Default for all UI: tables, lists, labels, messages |
| Long | Monday 14 January 2025 | Formal contexts, confirmations, when space allows |
| ISO numerical | 2025-01-14 | System or API use only, not agent-facing UI |

Do not use US date format: `January 14, 2025` or `01/14/2025`.

### Date ranges

Use `to`. Avoid hyphens or dashes in running text.

**Do:** 14 Jan to 28 Feb 2025
**Don't:** 14 Jan - 28 Feb 2025

### Relative time

When showing elapsed time or time remaining, use natural language units. Switch from smaller to larger units at the appropriate threshold.

**Do:** 1 hour ago, 3 days ago, 2 months ago
**Don't:** 60 minutes ago, 1 days ago

For remaining time: `About 1 hour remaining`, `2 minutes remaining`

### Seasons

Avoid references to seasons, they are hemisphere-dependent and ambiguous. Use months or quarters instead.

**Do:** April to June 2025
**Don't:** Autumn 2025

## Numbers

- Spell out numbers one to nine; use numerals for 10 and above.
- If a number begins a sentence, spell it out regardless of size.

  **Do:** Twelve accounts match this address.
  **Don't:** 12 accounts match this address.

- If one number in a group requires a numeral, use numerals for all numbers in that group.

  **Do:** The account has 1 direct debit and 12 payment records.
  **Don't:** The account has one direct debit and 12 payment records.

- Spell out fractions in running text.

  **Do:** Two-thirds of accounts on this tariff
  **Don't:** 2/3 of accounts on this tariff

- Always use numerals for percentages (use the % symbol, not the word), measurements, currency, and data values in tables.
- Separate thousands with a comma: `1,200` not `1200`.
- Use a full stop for decimals: `£12.50` not `£12,50`.
- For large round numbers, spell out the word: `81 million` not `81,000,000`. Use abbreviations (K, M, B) only in charts or space-constrained table cells, with a space: `71 M records`.

## Currency

Use the appropriate symbol with no space before the amount.

- UK: `£1,200.50`
- AU: `$1,200.50` (no `AUD` prefix unless disambiguation with another dollar currency is needed)

## Punctuation reference

| Mark | Rule |
|---|---|
| Full stop | Not at the end of standalone labels, headings, or buttons. Use in body content and multi-sentence messages. |
| Oxford comma | Use in lists of three or more: `Name, address, and date of birth` |
| Colon | Use to introduce a list or simplify a complex sentence. Not at the end of a form field label. |
| Em dash (`—`) | Do not use in product content. Use a comma, colon, or full stop instead. |
| En dash (`–`) | For numerical ranges only when `to` cannot be used, e.g., in tight table cells: `FY2024–25`. No spaces around it. |
| Hyphen | For compound modifiers: `up-to-date records`, `third-party supplier`. No spaces. |
| Ellipsis (`...`) | Only for truncated content or loading states: `Loading...`. Not for effect or in button labels. |
| Ampersand (`&`) | Use `and` in content. `&` is acceptable in navigation labels only where space is severely constrained. |
| Exclamation mark | Avoid. Never in error messages, failure states, or alerts. |
| Semicolon | Avoid entirely. Use a full stop or comma instead. |
| Slash (`/`) | Do not use to combine words: avoid `and/or`, `his/her`. Choose one or restructure. |
| Emoji | Never use in product content. |

## Lists

- Use bulleted lists for two or more concepts of equal weight.
- Use numbered lists for sequential steps.
- Lead into a list with an introductory phrase ending in a colon: `You can choose:`
- Use parallel construction, if items are actions, all should start with a verb; if nouns, all should be nouns.
- Capitalise the first letter of each list item.
- Do not use terminal punctuation in list items unless the item is a complete sentence. If one item needs a full stop, all items need one.

## Related

- [Content guidelines](/content/basics)