7

For mathematical and physical units, usually there is a thin space between the number and the unit, in the LaTeX syntax for example $1008\,\mathrm{kPa}$.

However, I feel that angular degrees (e.g. $90°$), temperature degrees (e.g. $-2°\mathrm{C}$), and NESW degrees (e.g. $90°\mathrm{S}$) should be typeset without spaces.

What is the correct spacing of these?

Improve this question
2
  • Doesn't situnitx handle this automagically?
    – Martin Schröder
    Commented Jan 18, 2013 at 9:44
  • 1
    @MartinSchröder It does I suppose, the question is whether it does it correctly, especially the NESW case...
    – yo'
    Commented Jan 18, 2013 at 23:29

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
8

You're half right!

In the case of degrees of arc, the degree symbol follows the number without any intervening space.

In the case of degrees of temperature, two scientific and engineering standards bodies (BIPM and the U.S. Government Printing Office) prescribe printing temperatures with a space between the number and the degree symbol, as in 10 °C.[2][3]

Source: Degree symbol on Wikipedia

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    Note that the continuation on Wikipedia says "However, in many works with professional typesetting, including scientific works published by the University of Chicago Press or Oxford University Press, the degree symbol is printed with no spaces between the number, the symbol, and the Latin letters "C" or "F" representing Celsius or Fahrenheit, respectively (e.g., 10°C)."
    – yosh m
    Commented May 7, 2018 at 14:14

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.