Numbering the points in a list indicates a hierarchy of importance. Only use numbered points if such a hierarchy is intended, if the points refer to sequential steps in a process, or if it is essential to refer to the points by number in the accompanying text.

Punctuate the lead-in sentence (or sentence fragment), and the list items, the same as for bulleted lists. See Bullet lists for more information.

Use a full stop after the numbers, and do not enclose them in brackets:

The steps in the project can be summarised as follows:

  1. We identified the factors that affect the risk of stroke in individuals with atrial fibrillation.
  2. We developed an evaluation procedure based on risk factors.
  3. We validated the procedure.

[Use of numbered list for sequential steps]

For subpoints in numbered lists, use lower-case letters or roman numerals, in brackets:

Contaminants that should be taken into account, in order of importance, are:
1.  agricultural chemicals
    (a) fertilisers
    (b) pesticides
2.  antibiotics
3.  heavy metals.

[Use of numbered list for hierarchy of importance]

Maintain consistency throughout the publication in the formatting used for numbered lists.