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AMA Manual of Style Committee

Contents

Reporting Rates and Ratios

Chapter:
Numbers and Percentages
Author(s):

Cheryl Iverson,

Stacy Christiansen,

Annette Flanagin,

Phil B. Fontanarosa,

Richard M. Glass,

Brenda Gregoline,

Stephen J. Lurie,

Harriet S. Meyer,

Margaret A. Winker,

Roxanne K. Young

19.7.4 Reporting Rates and Ratios

Use the virgule construction for rates when placed in parentheses (eg, 1/2) but never in running text. A colon is used for ratios (eg, 1:2). Rates should use the decimal format when the denominator is understood to be 100; otherwise, the denominator should be specified.

Of all individuals exposed, children were affected at a rate of 0.05.

 

The infant mortality rate was 3 per 10 000 live births.

Not: The infant mortality rate was 3/10 000 live births.