units of measurement

Spell out “inch,” “pound,” “foot,” etc. Follow Webster for metric abbreviations: cm, mm, ml, but spell out for clarity on first reference: 7 centimeters (cm).

Note also that numbers in units of measure are generally not spelled out, even when nine and under: 4 pounds, 6 ounces. Plurals of abbreviated units do not require an “s.”

Unless otherwise noted, insert a space between the number and the unit of measurement. The exception is in units of temperature, in which there is no space (30°C or 80°F).