Writing & StyleStyle guide

K Abbreviation for Thousand

“K” is a documented written abbreviation for thousand in Business English and is also used informally with money amounts. Because K has other meanings in other fields, context should make the intended numerical meaning clear.

Quick answer

In business and money contexts, “K” can mean one thousand: for example, 75K means 75,000. Keep the form consistent and avoid it where the audience could confuse K with another technical meaning.

Key details

Core IssueK is a documented written abbreviation for thousand in Business English and an informal form for 1,000 in money contexts.
Phrase Roleabbreviating thousand in compact business or money figures
Registerbusiness and informal numerical writing

Important caveats

Clarity Boundary

K has other documented meanings, including technical abbreviations, so use enough context to prevent ambiguity.

Further guidance

Documented Form

Cambridge Business English lists “K” as a written abbreviation for thousand.

Money Use

Cambridge also records informal K for 1,000, especially pounds, dollars, and similar amounts.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. K, k — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Business English K as a written abbreviation for thousand; informal money use also documented

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