---
{
  "schemaVersion": 1,
  "id": "DR-003",
  "title": "Rule of Context",
  "summary": "Quantities carry the context needed to interpret them.",
  "enforcement": "automated",
  "htmlUrl": "https://lanej.io/viewrule/rules/dr-003/",
  "markdownUrl": "https://lanej.io/viewrule/rules/dr-003/index.md",
  "source": "docs/design-rules/DR-003-quantity-context.md",
  "sourceSHA256": "9888429b2deac7d881957e4ed659527c414b75298b33b1d787d974a2c0c732bc"
}
---

# DR-003 — Rule of Context

**Principle:** Quantities carry the context needed to interpret them.

**Requirement:** A quantitative claim must identify its measure, units, applicable
period, and population or scope. Rates must identify their denominator;
performance comparisons must identify their baseline. Currency must be
unambiguous. Source information must be accessible, with freshness stated when
it affects the decision.

**Why:** A precise-looking number can still be uninterpretable or incomparable.

**Application:** Put essential context beside the value or in a clearly shared
heading. Do not hide essential units or periods exclusively in hover content.
Shared context can cover a whole table or chart group; repeating it in every
cell adds noise. Detailed source documentation may be expandable.