How to Get Rid of Percentages in Titles
News articles focusing on percentages are common. Statistics may come from research, ratios or test results. Using percentages in headlines or titles is not recommended, however. This is because the correct Associated Press style for writing percentages spells out "percent," and this requires more space than allowed for many headlines. Instead, most titles use countable quantifiers to note what the percentage means and then list the exact percentage in the article or story. These quantifiers include "few," "many" and "most."
Instructions
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1
Determine the amount signified by the percentage. Is it more than half or less? Is it a majority of the whole? Is it close to 100 percent?
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2
Select the Associated Press style-approved word for the percentage. AP style does not allow location descriptors to be used with amounts. This means you cannot say "over half." You must write "more than half." Other accepted options include "almost," "less than," "many" and "most."
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3
Ensure the exact percentage is listed in the first paragraph or near the beginning of the article or story. This is very important for the integrity of the article.