Hyphens and Dashes in Numbers

Hyphen or Dash?

Writers are often unsure whether to use a hyphen (-) or a dash (–) in numbers and dates.

Hyphens in Numbers

Hyphens are used in numbers:

(1) When writing numbers in full

• two hundred thirty-two
• ninety-six

Note: Hyphenate all numbers between 21 and 99 (less those ending 0, e.g., 50, 60).

(2) When writing fractions in full

• one-third
• two-thirds
• three-fifths

(3) When dividing long numbers (e.g., serial numbers, telephone numbers)

• 555-1234-1234
• X1G44-4453E-QW334-QPLO4

Dashes in Numbers

Dashes are used between numbers to show ranges. For example:

• 0800–0900 hrs
• 2014–2020
• 10–15 minutes
• 100–120 staff

These are en dashes (the same length as a lowercase "n"). They are shorter than em dashes (the same length as uppercase "M"). Read more about dashes with date ranges. Read more about dashes in numbers.

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