Measurements?

[Lori]

Does anyeone know the rules when it comes to writing measurements in an article? I've seen it done so many different ways, I'm not certain what's correct. I tried looking it up, but am still getting conflicting information.

Let's say I'm writing the following:

Options are available in sizes ranging from 4-1/2"x6-1/2" up to 9-1/2"x11-1/4".

Should there be hyphens or spaces? Written out? Inches instead of "?

I'd appreciate anyone who might be able to point me in the right direction to get an answer on this.

Thanks!!

[BarryDavidson]

I too have seen it done different ways Lori. It looks like you've got a few choices though. A lot of people do away with the quotation mark. I like them personally, but you get different editors and they always want their way.

4-1/2in. by 6-1/2in. up to 9-1/2in. by 11-1/4in. (with or without the periods after 'in')

4.5in x 6.5in - to 9.5in x 11.25in.

4-1/2" by 6-1/2" up to 9-1/2" by 11-1/4"

Again, it's up to you and the editor you get. Ask yourself this, "Does it need to be this precise, or can I get away with less precision?" I only mention this because there are times when more precision doesn't matter, and can even distract from the point a writer was trying to make. Could you get away with 4''x6'' up to 9''x11''? I guess it's really in the context and what you want.

[Lori]

Hi Barry,

Thanks for your response. I really appreciate your comments regarding being a bit less precise with the measurements, because that's certainly an option in my case.

I guess I'll just have to take my chances and see what the editor decides

Regards,
Lori