AP Style Cheat Sheet

Learn about some AP style basics, like capitalization, numbers, addresses, and much more. 


Numbers

  • Spell out one-nine.
  • Spell out fractions less than one.
  • Use numerals for:
    • Anything over 10.
    • Times (do not add zeros: 10 am, not 10:00 am).
    • Percentages.
    • Ages.
    • Dimensions.
    • Dollar amounts.
    • Dates.
    • Street addresses.

Symbols

  • Use the % symbol unless the percentage starts the sentence. Example: "Antarctica is home to 95% of penguins," versus "Ninety-five percent of penguins live in Antarctica."
  • Use the $ symbol.

Bullet Points

  • Use a period after every bullet point.

Quotation Marks

  • Use quotation marks instead of italics or underlining for titles of movies, books, shows, newspapers, and magazines.
  • Periods and commas always go inside quotation marks.
  • Other punctuation should only go inside the quotation marks if it is part of the quote.

Spelling, Abbreviation, and Capitalization

  • Abbreviate state names when listed after a city (don’t abbreviate if no city is listed).
  • Use street name abbreviations (Blvd., Ave., St.) only with a numbered address.
  • Abbreviate August - February when used with a specific date.
    • Do not abbreviate March - July.
    • Don’t use “th,” “rd,” “nd,” or “st” for dates (July 12, not July 12th).
  • Only capitalize a job title if it comes before a name.
  • Spell out terms related to dimensions (feet, miles, inches, etc.).
  • Don’t capitalize the I in internet.
  • Touch-screen.
  • Wi-Fi.

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