Abbreviation of "number"

I agree that "no" as an abbreviation, whether capitalized and full-stopped or not, is liable to be confusing in all but the very clearest contexts. I would use the endearingly-named "hash mark" if at all possible, especially before another word (# of messages).

I don't know what you're writing, but if it's a chart of some kind, sometimes it's possible to substitute another number word, like "total messages" or "monthly messages" for a phrase like "number of messages." When the column is filled by numbers, of course, it's plain to everyone what you mean.

You gave the best response.

Paul Darst

Tallahassee, Florida, USA

In SMM7 (Standard method of measurement, for construction) the word 'number' is abbreviated by 'nr', I personall use 'nr', but I haven't seen it used anywhere else.