Have you ever stared at a statistic, wondering if you should write “50 percent” or “50%”? As a writer, you’re not alone in this numbers-induced existential crisis. Welcome to the wild world of AP Style percentages, where a tiny symbol can make or break your credibility. But fear not, fellow word warriors! We’re about to embark on a thrilling adventure through the percentage jungle, armed with nothing but our wits and a trusty AP Stylebook.
The Great Percentage Revolution of 2019
Out with the Old, In with the %
Remember 2019? The year of Baby Yoda, “Old Town Road,” and… drum roll, please… the AP Style percentage shakeup! That’s right, folks. While the rest of the world was busy trying to figure out TikTok dances, the Associated Press was quietly revolutionizing the way we write about numbers.
Before 2019, writing percentages was like being stuck in a never-ending spelling bee. You had to spell out “percent” after every number, like some sort of numerical punishment. But then, in a plot twist worthy of a Netflix drama, AP Style decided to embrace the future and give the humble % symbol its time to shine.
The New Rules: A Cheat Sheet for the Numerically Challenged
Let’s break down the new AP Style percentage guidelines in a way that won’t make your eyes glaze over:
- The % Sign Reigns Supreme: In most cases, slap that % sign right after your number. No space needed—they’re best friends now. Example: “After reading this article, 99% of writers felt more confident about using percentages.”
- Spelling It Out: Keep “percent” spelled out for those casual, “I’m just chatting here” moments. Example: “There’s a zero percent chance I’ll ever understand why cats knock things off tables.”
- Decimals Are Your Friends: Fractions are so last century. Embrace the decimal point for non-whole percentages. Example: “My cat’s approval rating of my writing is currently at 72.5%.”
- The Lonely Zero: For percentages under 1%, don’t let that decimal point go solo. Give it a zero buddy. Example: “The chance of me turning down chocolate is a solid 0.001%.”
Percentage Pitfalls: Navigate the Numbers Minefield
Even the most seasoned writers can stumble in the percentage playground. Let’s explore some common traps and how to sidestep them with the grace of a statistical ballerina.
The “Percent” vs. “Percentage” Showdown
Think of “percent” as the diva that always needs a number by its side, while “percentage” is the chill friend happy to hang out in general conversations.
| Use “Percent” (or %) when: | Use “Percentage” when: |
|---|---|
| You have a specific number | Talking generally |
| E.g., “25% of cats plot world domination” | E.g., “A large percentage of cats are secretly dogs in disguise” |
The Range Rodeo
When wrangling a range of percentages, consistency is key. Pick a format and stick to it like peanut butter to the roof of your mouth.
Acceptable formats include:
- 15% to 20%
- 15%-20%
- Between 15% and 20%
Pro tip: For a series, let that % symbol shine after each number: “The store offers discounts of 25%, 30%, and ‘please take this off our hands’ 50%.”
The Agreement Arbitration
When it comes to subject-verb agreement, let the noun behind the percentage be your guide:
- Singular: “80% of the pie was devoured by one very determined toddler.”
- Plural: “80% of the cookies were mysteriously ‘missing’ (Dad denies any involvement).”
The Point of No Return: Percentage Points vs. Percentage Change
This is where many writers enter the twilight zone of statistical confusion. Let’s clear it up:
- Percentage points: The simple arithmetic difference between two percentages.
- Percentage change: The relative difference between two values.
Imagine your approval rating as a writer jumps from 40% to 50% after publishing this article:
- That’s a 10 percentage point increase (simple subtraction: 50% – 40% = 10 percentage points)
- But it’s a 25% increase overall (relative change: (50% – 40%) / 40% = 25% increase)
The Style Guide Smorgasbord
While we’ve been frolicking in the fields of AP Style, it’s worth noting that other style guides exist in the wild. They’re like different flavors of ice cream—each with its own devoted following and specific rules about sprinkles (or in this case, percentages).
| Style Guide | Percentage Preference |
|---|---|
| AP Style | Embraces the % symbol |
| Chicago Manual of Style | Often spells out “percent” |
| APA Style | Flexible, but leans towards % |
| MLA Style | Typically spells out “percent” |
Remember, when in doubt, check with your client or publication. They might have strong feelings about percentages that rival people’s opinions on pineapple on pizza.
Conclusion
Congratulations, intrepid writer! You’ve navigated the treacherous waters of AP Style percentages and emerged victorious. Armed with this knowledge, you’re now ready to sprinkle your writing with perfectly formatted statistics that would make even the most stoic editor crack a smile.
And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll look back on this moment as the turning point in your writing career—the day you went from 0 to 100% awesome in your mastery of AP Style percentages. Now that’s a statistic worth celebrating!