For ± the plus minus symbol shortcut key is Alt + 0177, entered with the keypad digits while Alt is held, which produces ±. The same Alt code method types the euro sign (Alt + 0128), multiplication sign (Alt + 0215), division sign (Alt + 0247) and squared (Alt + 0178).
Word adds quicker ways for arrows and square root: typing --> becomes an arrow automatically, and Unicode codes with Alt + X insert any symbol. On compact laptops with no keypad, the emoji and symbol window (Win + .) lists the same signs.
Quick facts
±
Alt + 0177€
Alt + 0128× and ÷
Alt + 0215, Alt + 0247²
Alt + 0178√ in Word
221A, then Alt + X→ in Word
Type --> and a space
Plus minus symbol shortcut key and maths signs
| Symbol | Name | Keys |
|---|---|---|
| ± | Plus minus | Alt + 0177 |
| × | Multiply | Alt + 0215 |
| ÷ | Divide | Alt + 0247 |
| ² | Squared | Alt + 0178 |
| ³ | Cubed | Alt + 0179 |
| ½ | One half | Alt + 0189 |
| ° | Degree | Alt + 0176 |
| µ | Micro | Alt + 0181 |
Euro shortcut key
Alt + 0128 on the number pad types the euro sign in most programs. On UK and some other European keyboard layouts, Ctrl + Alt + 4 or AltGr + 4 also produces it. In Word, type 20AC and press Alt + X. Indian keyboards set to English (India) give the rupee sign on that key instead; see rupee symbol shortcut. For prices in a foreign currency in spreadsheets, set the cell format to that currency rather than typing the sign, so totals keep working. The pound sign is Alt + 0163 and the yen sign Alt + 0165 on the number pad.
Arrow shortcut key and square root in Word
| Symbol | Type | Then |
|---|---|---|
| → | --> | Space (AutoCorrect) |
| ← | <-- | Space |
| ⇒ | ==> | Space |
| → (any app via code) | 2192 | Alt + X in Word |
| √ | 221A | Alt + X |
| ∞ | 221E | Alt + X |
Using these symbols in Excel
Alt codes work inside Excel cells for labels, such as a column heading with ±. For calculations, use operators instead: * for multiply, / for divide and ^ for powers; =SQRT(A1) gives a square root. Excel also shows symbols through formulas such as =UNICHAR(177) for ±.
When the symbol does not appear
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Alt code types nothing | Use the number pad with Num Lock on, not the top row |
| Wrong character appears | You typed without the leading 0; use the four digit code |
| Arrow stays as --> | AutoCorrect is off; use 2192 and Alt + X |
| No number pad on laptop | Use Win + . and the symbols tab |
Using symbols correctly in reports
In technical and school reports, the right symbol matters. Use × rather than the letter x for multiplication in printed text, ÷ or a fraction for division, and ± for tolerances such as 10 mm ± 0.2. Keep a space on both sides of ± and ×. Currency signs go before the amount in English. In spreadsheets, though, always type numbers without symbols and let number formats add them, so the values remain usable in formulas. If a document will be read on phones, test that the font shows each symbol clearly.
More symbol keys
Degrees and diameters have their own guides: degree symbol and diameter symbol. Raised numbers are covered in superscript shortcut key, and the full list on symbol shortcut keys.
Frequently asked questions
What is the plus minus symbol shortcut key?
What is the euro shortcut key?
How do I type an arrow in Word?
Type --> followed by a space.
How do I type a square root sign?
In Word, type 221A and press Alt + X.
What is the square shortcut key?
Do Alt codes work on laptops?
Only with a number pad. Otherwise use the symbol panel.