> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.data.ca.gov/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.data.ca.gov/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/reference/data-preparation-guidance/numeric.md).

# Numeric

* No commas
  * e.g. "1000" instead of "1,000"
* No units of measurement
  * Units should be in metadata instead
* Express as full number where possible
  * e.g. "1200000" instead of "1.2" (million)
  * If rounded, indicate in metadata  
* No rounding if possible
  * Give raw numbers as far as possible
  * If rounding is needed, try to provide at least 2 decimal places of precision and indicate rounding in metadata
* Percentages can be expressed as either a proportion out of 1 or 100. 
  * e.g.  20% can be expressed as 20 or 0.2
  * The representation of percentages must be consistent throughout your dataset (e.g. among different percentage fields)
  * You must indicate how percentages are expressed in the data dictionary