How to use it
- Find the symbol: type the symbol itself, the code (e.g. 0150) or a name such as dash or heart.
- Click it: the symbol is copied, and the exact key combination appears above the chart.
- To type it, hold the left Alt key, type the code on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
Two kinds of alt codes
Alt codes without a leading zero (Alt+1 to Alt+255) follow the old DOS code page of your Windows installation. On US and most English systems that is code page 437, so Alt+3 gives ♥, Alt+26 gives → and Alt+171 gives ½. Codes with a leading zero (Alt+0128 to Alt+0255) use the Windows-1252 code page instead, which holds the typographic characters: Alt+0150 is the en dash (–), Alt+0151 the em dash (—), Alt+0147 and Alt+0148 the curly quotes (“ ”), Alt+0133 the ellipsis (…), Alt+0169 © and Alt+0153 ™.
Because the low codes depend on the system language, the same code can give a different character on a German, Hungarian or Polish PC. If you share instructions with someone abroad, give the four-digit code with the leading zero, or simply send them the symbol.
Alt codes that people look up most
Degree sign ° is Alt+0176 (Alt+248 also works on US systems). The en dash – is Alt+0150, the em dash — Alt+0151, the bullet • Alt+0149, the euro sign € Alt+0128, the pound sign £ Alt+0163, the copyright sign © Alt+0169, the registered sign ® Alt+0174, the trademark sign ™ Alt+0153, the plus-minus sign ± Alt+0177, the multiplication sign × Alt+0215 and the division sign ÷ Alt+0247. Fractions: ½ Alt+0189, ¼ Alt+0188, ¾ Alt+0190. Accented letters such as é (Alt+0233), ñ (Alt+0241) and ü (Alt+0252) are all in the second table.
When alt codes don't work
Alt codes only work with the numeric keypad, not with the number row above the letters, and Num Lock has to be on. Many laptops have no keypad: try Fn + Num Lock, which turns some letter keys into keypad numbers, or press Win + . (period) to open the emoji and symbol panel. In Microsoft Word you can type a Unicode code such as 2014 and press Alt + X. Macs don't support alt codes at all; use the Option key combinations or the Character Viewer (Ctrl + Cmd + Space). Copying from this page always works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the alt code for the degree symbol?
Alt+0176 works on every Windows PC. On US systems Alt+248 gives the same ° sign.
How do I type an em dash with an alt code?
Hold Alt and type 0151 on the numeric keypad for the em dash (—). Alt+0150 is the shorter en dash (–).
Why doesn't my alt code work?
You need the numeric keypad with Num Lock on. On a laptop without one, use Fn + Num Lock, the Win + . panel, or copy the symbol from this page.
Do alt codes work on a Mac?
No. Alt codes are a Windows feature. On a Mac use Option key shortcuts or the Character Viewer (Ctrl + Cmd + Space).