If you're formatting a percentage in APA 7th edition (as of 2026), here's the simple rule: stick the percent symbol (%) right after any numeral. Spell out “percent” when the number is written out or when it starts a sentence, title, or heading.
What’s Happening
APA 7th edition provides clear rules for presenting percentages in academic writing.
It distinguishes between numerals and spelled-out numbers, and explains how to use percentages in tables, ranges, and sentences. Slip up on the percent symbol or mix up your formatting, and you might throw off your paper's readability or even violate APA guidelines.
Step-by-Step Solution
Use these straightforward steps to format percentages correctly.
- For numerals 10 or higher: Attach the percent symbol directly to the number. Example: 25%, 95%.
- For spelled-out numbers (one through nine): Follow the number with the word “percent.” Example: five percent.
- When a percentage starts a sentence, title, or heading: Write out “percent,” even with numerals. Example: Fifteen percent of participants agreed.
- In tables: Use the percent symbol only when a numeral precedes it (e.g., 10%). Leave it spelled out when no number is present (e.g., “What percentage of…”).
- For ranges: Connect percentages with an en dash—no spaces. Example: 30%–50%.
If This Didn’t Work
Try these troubleshooting tips if your percentages still look off.
- Watch for sneaky spaces: The percent symbol must hug the number (e.g., 50%, not 50 %). APA doesn’t allow any space before the symbol.
- Spell it out at the start of sentences: If you're unsure, write “percent” when the number begins a sentence to dodge errors.
- Check the official source: For tricky tables or legal citations, flip through the latest APA 7th edition updates or hit the APA Style website for answers.
Prevention Tips
Keep your percentages consistent with these habits.
Try these tricks to avoid headaches down the road:
- Hit Ctrl+F in your document and search for “%” to confirm every symbol is in the right spot.
- Build a Word template with APA-compliant styles to auto-format numbers and percentages as you type.
- Always cross-check table numbers with your raw data to catch mismatches between text and visuals.
- Bookmark the APA Style website—guidelines can shift even after 2026.
