Some help required with apostrophe please...

[ZoeC]

I have been updating a database for my dh and have to quote serial numbers for equipment...dull so I'll get to the point...

Serial No's or Serial Nos - I realise a plural has no apostrophe, is it required because of missing letters? I wasn't sure since 'numbers' doesn't have an 'o' in it either so it goes slightly further than just missing letters iyswim. I do think Serial No's looks better.

Thanks.

Nos imo

I think you use an apostrophe to substitute for the missing letters. I would personally say Numbers though.

No apostrophe

I wouldn't do it, I'd put a full stop after Nos. instead, even midsentence. Have I thrown a spanner in the works now?

I agree, numbers would be much better - I just don't have the space in most instances so am forced to use abbreviations!

I have to say I think I agree with the full shop though, since it IS an abbreviation.

So Serial Nos. we think?

no apostrophe and numbers not nos is preferable IMO.