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Repeating the percent sign

Question:

When writing percentages, do I need to repeat the % sign after each number, as in 40%–60%? Or is it better to write 40–60%?

Answer:

At first glance, knowing when and where to use the % sign may seem puzzling, but the rules for writing numerical expressions are fairly straightforward.

When you use the % sign, repeat it after each number. For example:

  • 40%-60% discounts of 20%, 30% and 40% (Use the short dash between percentages.)

Note, however, that if you opt for the word percent, you write it out just once after the last figure:

  • 20 to 50 percent
    discounts of 20, 30 and 40 percent