The abbreviation for between is Betw., a recognised shortened form used in editorial references and notes. You may also encounter BTWN in texting and knitting patterns, or BETW in construction drawings. These forms all represent the word between, but their usage depends on the document, industry and writing style.
What Is the Correct Abbreviation for Between?
There is no single abbreviation required across all types of English writing. Three documented forms are particularly useful to know.
| Abbreviation | Common Usage |
|---|---|
| Betw. | Editorial references, indexes and written notes |
| BTWN / btwn | Texting, knitting instructions and informal shorthand |
| BETW | Architectural and engineering drawings |
Betw. is a suitable conventional written abbreviation, while BTWN removes vowels to create a shorter label.
BETW is particularly relevant in construction documentation, where capitalised abbreviations are commonly used in drawing legends.
For general writing, however, spelling out between is usually clearer.
What Does Between Mean?
Between describes a position, relationship, comparison or interval involving two or more people, places, things or values.
Its meaning depends on how it is used.
- Position: “The office is between the bank and the library.”
- Time: “The meeting starts between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.”
- Distance: “The distance between the two locations is 8 miles.”
- Comparison: “There is a difference between the two proposals.”
- Relationship: “Communication between the departments has improved.”
Between is most commonly used as a preposition, although it can also function as an adverb in expressions such as in between.
Importantly, between is not restricted to exactly two things. It can describe relationships involving several distinct people or items, such as an agreement between three organisations.
Where Are Between Abbreviations Used?
Construction and Engineering Drawings
BETW is a documented abbreviation for between in architectural and engineering drawing conventions.
Technical drawings frequently contain short labels identifying dimensions, clearances and relationships between structural components.
For example, a drawing note might read:
“CLEARANCE BETW PANELS: 10 mm”
This indicates the clearance between two panels.
The example is illustrative, but the abbreviation BETW appears in published architectural abbreviation lists.
Since technical drawings may establish their own terminology, always check the drawing legend before using or interpreting a shortened label.
Texting and Informal Notes
BTWN is a recognised informal abbreviation created by removing vowels from the word between.
It can appear in text messages, quick reminders and personal notes.
For example:
“Call me btwn 4 and 5.”
This means the person should be contacted between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The abbreviation is convenient when both people understand it. However, for professional appointments, customer communication or important deadlines, writing between in full is generally preferable.
Knitting and Craft Instructions
An interesting example of industry-specific usage comes from knitting terminology.
The yarn manufacturer Lion Brand recognises btwn as an abbreviation for between.
In a knitting pattern, an instruction might tell the reader to work btwn two stitches or place a marker between specified stitches.
Here, the shortened form is meaningful because knitters may already be familiar with the terminology used in pattern instructions.
This is a good example of an abbreviation that is appropriate in one specialist context but unnecessary in ordinary writing.
Examples of Between Abbreviations
The following examples demonstrate how different forms can appear in compact records.
| Context | Example |
|---|---|
| Editorial note | Difference betw. two approaches |
| Casual message | Available btwn 3 and 5 |
| Construction drawing | GAP BETW WALLS: 50 mm |
| Knitting pattern | Work btwn markers |
| Research note | Relationship betw. variables A and B |
These examples are illustrative rather than prescribed formats.
The full word is usually more natural in complete sentences.
For example, “The distance between the buildings is 8 miles” is clearer than inserting Betw. into the middle of the sentence.
When recording distances in technical or travel-related notes, the unit can also be shortened. Our guide to the abbreviation for miles explains why mi is the standard unit symbol and how to format it correctly.
Is BTW an Abbreviation for Between?
BTW is sometimes listed as shorthand for between, but its much more familiar meaning is by the way.
For example:
“BTW, I sent the documents.”
In this message, BTW means by the way, not between.
Using it to describe a time range or relationship could therefore confuse readers.
Other informal variations, such as b/w, may also be encountered, but b/w can represent unrelated terms, including black and white.
For most situations, Betw. or BTWN provides a clearer shortened form than BTW or b/w.
The full word between is still preferable when an abbreviation could be misunderstood.
When Should You Write Between in Full?
Abbreviations work best when space is limited or the intended audience already understands the shorthand.
In academic papers, contracts, official reports and professional correspondence, the complete word generally communicates more clearly.
This is especially important in legal documents. An agreement may establish rights and responsibilities between two or more parties, so wording should be precise rather than unnecessarily abbreviated.
Time and numerical ranges also deserve attention.
For example, “Submit the form between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.” may leave uncertainty about whether the exact ending time is included.
Where precision matters, specify the relevant limits rather than relying on an abbreviated expression.
In mathematical notation, 10 < x < 20 explicitly means that x is greater than 10 and less than 20. The phrase between 10 and 20 may require additional clarification about whether the endpoints are included.
The important principle is simple: shorten between when it improves a label or note, but use complete, precise wording when readers must act on the information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Betw. the standard abbreviation for between?
Betw. is a documented conventional abbreviation for between, particularly in editorial references and written shorthand. However, it is not universally required. BTWN and BETW also have established uses in specific contexts, including knitting and construction drawings.
What does BTWN mean in texting?
BTWN means between in text messages and informal online communication. For example, “Meet btwn 6 and 7” means meeting between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. It is convenient shorthand, but the complete word is preferable for important instructions.
What does BETW mean on a construction drawing?
BETW stands for between in certain architectural and engineering drawing conventions. It may identify distances, clearances or relationships between components. Always check the drawing’s abbreviation legend because individual projects can use different terminology.
Is BTW the same as BTWN?
No. BTWN is a recognised abbreviation for between, while BTW usually means by the way in modern texting and email communication. Although BTW may occasionally represent between in specialised shorthand, using BTWN helps avoid confusion.
Can Betw. be used in academic or formal writing?
Betw. may appear in reference materials or working notes, but it is generally better to write between in full in academic papers, formal reports and professional documents. Follow an established editorial convention if a particular publication requires a shortened form.
Final Thoughts
Betw., BTWN and BETW are documented abbreviations for between, each suited to different contexts. Betw. appears in editorial shorthand, BTWN is familiar in texting and knitting, and BETW is used in technical drawings. Avoid using BTW when the meaning could be confused with by the way. For everyday sentences and formal communication, writing between in full remains the clearest choice.
