[IxDA Discuss] Usability and Standards for Formatting Negative Numbers?

[Alexander Baxevanis]

In most consumer-facing applications that I've seen (e.g. online
checkout/payment systems etc.) negative numbers have been shown just
with a minus sign, and in most cases in red colour.

On the other hand, I've seen the "parentheses" notation being used
quite extensively in accounting, e.g. when companies publish their
financial figures. Maybe in these cases there is a requirement to make
negative numbers conspicuous even when printed in black & white.

Cheers,
Alex

On Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 2:55 PM, Jeff lippiatt <jeflip at gmail.com> wrote:
> I am currently doing some research before I make a suggestion for how this
>  information should be displayed. Of the known formats I know that using
>  parenthesis () around the number or using the minus sign in front of the
>  number can be used. I have also seen both of these variations with the
>  numbers displaying in red.
>
>  I was just looking to get some feedback or possible resources that might
>  have more information or research that backs it one way or the other so I
>  can be more informed with this decision. Thank you for your feedback and
>  time in advance.
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