##  [numbers: clarity](/writing-tips-plus/numbers-clarity)

##  Avertissement

Ce contenu est offert en anglais seulement.

When communicating numerical information, make clarity your first consideration. Present the information in such a way that the reader can understand it easily.

## European conventions

When writing for non-Canadians, make sure you are aware of the conventions used in the target country. Europeans, for example, who are steeped in the metric system, do not confine themselves as we usually do to multiples of 1000. They will more naturally write *3 dL* (decilitres) than *300 mL* or *0.3 L*. Material written for the European market should conform to this practice.

Remember, too, that in Europe—and in Quebec—*1,500* means “one and a half,” and *1.500* means “fifteen hundred.”

## *Billion* and *trillion*

The British “billion” is the equivalent of the American “trillion,” while a British “trillion” is a million million million. In certain circumstances, it may be advisable to write a *thousand million* or *109* or *giga*- instead of *billion*, and a *million million* or *1012* or *tera*- instead of *trillion*, to avoid the risk of misinterpretation. For similar reasons, the abbreviation *ppb* (parts per billion) should not be used. Rewrite *100 ppb* as *0.1* *ppm* (parts per million).

## Currencies

Dollar amounts in different currencies should be distinguished from one another by some easily understood marker. A reference to $20 will be ambiguous to a non‑Canadian reader and may be taken to refer to American dollars or to some other currency. The Translation Bureau recommends the symbol *Can$* to represent the Canadian dollar:

- Can$20

**Note:** The abbreviation *Can$* is sometimes written entirely in upper case: CAN$20

## More information

- [Canadian dollar (symbol) (Linguistic recommendation from the Translation Bureau)](canadian-dollar-symbol)
- [American dollar (symbol) (Linguistic recommendation from the Translation Bureau)](american-dollar-symbol)
- [numbers: decimal fractions](numbers-decimal-fractions).

##  Avis de droit d’auteur pour l’outil Writing Tips Plus

© Sa Majesté le Roi du chef du Canada, représenté par le ou la ministre des Services publics et de l’Approvisionnement
Un outil créé et mis en ligne par le Bureau de la traduction, Services publics et Approvisionnement Canada

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- [Clear communication](/fr/navigateur-navigator?search_api_fulltext=-&field_writing_tools=All&sort_by=views&f%5B1%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A459#navigateur-navigator-resultats-results)
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- [Numerical expressions](/fr/navigateur-navigator?search_api_fulltext=-&field_writing_tools=All&sort_by=views&f%5B0%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A512&f%5B1%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A515#navigateur-navigator-resultats-results)

## Liens connexes

- [Writing Tips Plus](/fr/writing-tips-plus/index-fra) (page d’accueil)
- [Outils d’aide à la rédaction](/fr/outils-tools/index-fra)
- [Navigateur linguistique](/fr/navigateur-navigator) (permet de trouver rapidement des conseils linguistiques)
- [TERMIUM Plus®](http://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-fra.html?lang=fra)