What is the correct abbreviation for the word "numbers"?


What is the correct abbreviation for the words numbers and number?



  • Nos.

  • No.

  • Nos

  • No


Possible example usage:



  1. "Number of guests" where the word number is abbreviated

  2. "Numbers 10–15 are located in the top shelf."



Answer



It is highly unlikely that there is a global standard. It differs based on practice and the standards set by the relevant authorities (publishers and the like).


Ex: The Oxford Journal Instructions for Authors suggests (Sec. 2.3):



Abbreviations where the last letter of the singular word is not included take a full stop (vol., vols./ed., eds.). The abbreviation for number is no./nos. Abbreviated unit of measurements do not take a full stop (lb, mm, kg) and do not take a final 's' in the plural.



This is a suggestion from Cambridge Dictionary for use of no. as the abbreviation for number.


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