Number Sign
Rules and Examples
In the English language, the number sign ( # ) is also known as aClick Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses
- pound sign
- pound key
- pound
- hex
- octothorpe
-
hash (British English)
On the keyboard
The number sign ( # ) is made on an American keyboard by holding the SHIFT key and pressing the number 3 on the top number line.The number sign can also be inserted into a document by choosing INSERT SYMBOL and selecting the # symbol.
Number Sign
In the American English, the # symbol is read as "number" when it comes before a number.We mostly use the number sign in informal writing, such as emails, texts, journal entries and advertisements.
Examples:
-
#5
Number Five - Please pick up your #2 pencils.
Please pick up your number two pencils. -
Tim was #15 in line.
Tim was number 15 in line. - Please complete #1–10 in your workbook.
Please complete numbers 1 through 10 in your workbook.
Do not put a space between the number sign and the number.
Correct:
#25
Incorrect:
# 25
#25
Incorrect:
# 25
Pound Sign
In the United States, the # symbol is also called the pound sign or pound when it comes after a number.Pound refers to the unit of weight that is abbreviated as lb.
Examples:
-
John cooked 2# of hamburger for supper.
John cooked 2 pounds of hamburger for supper. -
The baby weighs 8.2#.
The baby weighs 8 pounds and 2 ounces. -
I gained 1# during vacation.
I gained one pound during vacation.
There is no space between the number and the pound sign.
Correct:
400#
Incorrect:
400 #
400#
Incorrect:
400 #
Pound Key
On and American telephone, the # symbol is referred to as the pound key. The pound key is located on the bottom right of the phone.
Usage of the # symbol in British English
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the # symbol on the telephone is usually called the hash. It is never called the pound sign.In the United Kingdom, pound refers to currency.
The symbol for the pound is £.
In British English, the use of the # symbol as an abbreviation for "number" is rare. In British English, "number" is abbreviated as "no."
Examples:
American English:
#2
British English:
No. 2
American English:
His basketball jersey was #6.
British English:
His basketball jersey was no. 6
#2
British English:
No. 2
American English:
His basketball jersey was #6.
British English:
His basketball jersey was no. 6
These were the uses of the number sign. Now that you know them, it is time to practice! Read and do exercises.
