+

plus, and

One space either side

−

minus

Note: the minus symbol is different to the dash available on most keyboards. The minus sign is available as a symbol in RevMan 5 (Unicode decimal code: 2212).

One space either side in mathematical equations, but no space between the minus sign and the number for a negative number

e.g. Standard negative pressure rates range from −50 mmHg to −125 mmHg.

Note: for equations, see Statistical and mathematical presentation.

/

per or divided by

Use '/' instead of 'per' where 'per' is otherwise cumbersome

10 mg/kg (not 10 mg per kg)

No space on either side, e.g. 10 g/L

<

less than (e.g. for percentages)

fewer than (e.g. for people)

One space either side

>

greater than

more than

One space either side

=

equals

One space either side

&

and

The ampersand symbol should only be used if it is part of a brand name (e.g. Procter & Gamble) or the title of a publication (e.g. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism).

One space either side

%

percentage

The percentage sign can be used in a block of text when it is used with a numeral.

e.g. Fewer than 90% of the participants completed the study.

Use 'per cent' instead of '%' when starting a sentence and when the number is written in full (i.e. not a numeral).

e.g. Three per cent of people suffer from . . .

There is no space between the number and the percentage sign, e.g. 15%.

™, ®

Trademark (® for registered; ™ for unregistered)

The trademark symbols are not normally used in Cochrane Reviews.

See Pharmaceutical drug names.

If used, the symbols should be written immediately after the brand name they apply to, with no separating space, e.g. Nexium®, Backup Exec™ software.

Use to indicate degrees of arc, e.g. when measuring joint flexibility, or temperature. 

For degrees of arc, the degree symbol follows the number without any intervening space, e.g. 43°.

For temperature, there is a space between the number and the degree symbol, but no space between the degree symbol and the letter that indicates the scale being used, e.g. 100 °C, 212 °F.

Note: degree symbols are not used for temperatures measured on the Kelvin scale, e.g. 373.15 K.

≤

8804

2264

≥

8805

2265

µ

0181

03BC

° (degree symbol)

0176

00B0

² (superscript 2)

0178

00B2

³ (superscript 3)

0179

00B3

±

0177

00B1