Skip to content

10 M or 10M – Which is Correct?

When it comes to writing numbers, it’s essential to understand the correct format and usage. In the case of writing “10 million,” should we write it as “10 M” or “10M”? Let’s learn this question and explore the correct usage, providing examples along the way.

The abbreviation “M” traditionally stands for “thousand” in Roman numerals. However, when it comes to expressing large quantities in informal writing, it has become common to use “M” as an abbreviation for “million.” Therefore, both “10 M” and “10M” are acceptable forms to denote ten million.

To further illustrate this concept, let’s consider a few examples. Suppose we want to write that a company generated ten million dollars in revenue last year. We could correctly write it as “The company generated $10M in revenue” or “The company generated $10 M in revenue.” Here, both “10M” and “10 M” convey the same meaning, emphasizing that the revenue reached the impressive sum of ten million dollars.

In another scenario, let’s say we want to express the population of a city, which stands at ten million people. We can write this as “The city has a population of 10M” or “The city has a population of 10 M.” Again, both variations clearly communicate that the city is home to a vast number of individuals.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that in formal writing, such as academic essays, research papers, or official documents, it is generally preferred to write out the full word “million” instead of using the abbreviation “M.” In these contexts, you would write “The population of the city is ten million” rather than “The population of the city is 10M” or “The population of the city is 10 M.” This adherence to formal writing conventions ensures clarity and avoids any ambiguity that may arise from using abbreviations.

To summarize, whether you choose to write “10 M” or “10M” to denote ten million depends on the context and level of formality. Both variations are acceptable for informal writing, emphasizing the magnitude of the number. However, in formal writing, it is preferable to spell out “million” to maintain clarity and adhere to established conventions.

By understanding these guidelines, you can confidently express large quantities in a clear and accurate manner. So, next time you encounter a situation where you need to convey the value of ten million, remember that you have the flexibility to choose between “10 M” and “10M,” but in formal writing, opt for the complete word “million” to ensure a polished and professional presentation.