Quantify an amount of money with a symbol and numeral

Write amounts using the relevant currency symbol followed by numerals. Don’t put a space between the currency symbol and the numerals.

For an amount less than $1, you can write it either as a whole number of cents or as a decimal value.

For the cents form:

• Use the letter ‘c’ for cents after the numerals.
• Don’t add a space between the numerals and the ‘c’.
• Don’t use a full stop after the ‘c’ unless it’s at the end of a sentence.

If the amount is a decimal number, always use 2 digits after the decimal point.

If the amount is less than 10 cents, use a zero before the number of cents.

Clarify when you are using Australian dollars

Where content is clearly only referencing Australian dollars, use ‘$’.

If users could be confused about the currency being referenced, place ‘A’ before the ‘$’. Don’t insert a space between them.

Reference non-Australian currencies for accessibility

Non-Australian currency symbols may be inaccessible to people who access content using screen readers. Screen readers may be unable to interpret and describe the symbols. Avoid the use of non-Australian currency symbols where possible.

Options for referencing non-Australian currencies

Use the 3-letter International Bank Account Number (IBAN) currency codes – for example, THB, USD, VND. This is the preferred method because it doesn’t use symbols and makes content more accessible.

When referencing ‘dollar’ currencies, use a country prefix followed by the ‘$’ symbol – for example, A$, C$, NZ$, US$. If there is any chance of confusion, use the 3-letter IBAN codes.

Use the currency symbol only, for example ‘£’ for the British pound, if you have evidence that it is the best way to meet a user need.

Using IBAN currency codes (preferred)

Use them for all currencies referenced in the content (including Australian dollars).

Don’t place a space between the IBAN currency code and the numerals.

Use the same number of decimal places for all the currencies you refer to.

If using foreign currency symbols:

• Explain them on first use unless they are very widely known (for example, US$).
• Place them before the numerals and don’t insert a space.
• Don’t also use the IBAN currency code.

Former Australian currency units

Use words rather than symbols for former Australian currency.

Before 14 February 1966, pounds (£), shillings (s) and pence (d) were Australia’s units of currency. Few people would recognise these symbols now, so write them out in full.

Some countries still use pounds as their currency. If there is any chance of confusion, state ‘former Australian pounds’ or use the symbol ‘A£’.

Quantify large amounts of money

Use the level of precision needed for the content.

Use words for inexact amounts

Use words for amounts of money that are an expression rather than an actual amount.