Number Sign
Rules and Examples

In the English language, the number sign ( # ) is also known as a
Click 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
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 #
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
These were the uses of the number sign. Now that you know them, it is
time to practice!
Read and do
exercises.
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