For an occasional symbol, use the app’s built-in symbol picker: it works without memorizing codes or having a numeric keypad. In Word for Windows, go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols. If you do want to type a code, first check whether it is Unicode hexadecimal or decimal/ASCII: in Word, hexadecimal codes use Alt+X, while decimal/ASCII codes use Alt with the numeric keypad.
Insert a symbol with Word for Windows’ symbol picker
- Place the cursor where the symbol should appear.
- Select Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.
- Choose a font and, if available, a subset to narrow the character list.
- Select the symbol and choose Insert. Frequently used characters may also appear under Recently Used Symbols.
The picker is the easiest route when you do not know a character code or do not have a 10-key pad. Microsoft notes that symbols depend on font coverage; if a character is missing or appears as a box, try a font that includes it. Segoe UI Symbol has a broad Unicode collection. See Microsoft’s Word symbol-insertion instructions.
Type a degree sign or currency symbol in Word for Windows
For the degree sign, place the cursor and press Alt+0176 using the numeric keypad. This documented shortcut requires a keyboard with a 10-key numeric pad. With a laptop or compact keyboard that lacks one, use the symbol picker instead. Microsoft also documents the degree sign through Insert > Symbol; see its degree-symbol instructions.
Common decimal/ASCII keypad codes include:
| Character | Key sequence |
|---|---|
| € | Alt+0128 |
| £ | Alt+0163 |
| ¥ | Alt+0165 |
| ¢ | Alt+0162 |
| ° | Alt+0176 |
Use the numeric keypad, not the number row; Num Lock may need to be enabled. Microsoft’s Word character-code guidance documents these examples.
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Use Unicode hexadecimal codes in Word
Unicode hexadecimal entry is a separate method from Alt-number codes. Type the character’s hexadecimal code at the insertion point, then press Alt+X to convert it. For example, type 0024 and press Alt+X to get $.
To interpret a code shown in the Symbol dialog, check its code type before entering it. A hex code calls for Alt+X; a decimal/ASCII code calls for Alt plus the numeric keypad. Treating the two formats as interchangeable will produce the wrong result. Microsoft explains the distinction in its code-entry instructions.
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Find symbols in Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other Office apps
Do not assume that every Word shortcut behaves identically throughout Office. Microsoft’s general guidance covers symbol and character insertion across listed Windows Office editions, but notes that some programs, including PowerPoint, cannot convert Unicode codes to characters. When code conversion is unavailable, use the app’s symbol picker; Microsoft also identifies Character Map as an alternative for code-based workflows. The cross-app guidance is at Microsoft’s Latin-based symbols and characters page.
Insert symbols on a Mac
Microsoft’s Mac-specific guidance gives different menu routes by application:
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- Word: Insert > Advanced Symbol.
- Excel and PowerPoint: Insert > Symbol.
- Outlook: Edit > Emoji & Symbols.
In the character and emoji viewer, expand the viewer to browse additional symbol sets. Menu names may vary by app version. See Microsoft’s Mac symbol guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Enter accented, international, and math characters
Accented and language-specific characters
Word and Outlook provide dedicated keyboard combinations for accent marks and characters, as well as the Alt+X and numeric-keypad Alt-code approaches. If you regularly type in another language, switching to that language’s keyboard layout can be more practical than entering each character through a code. Consult Microsoft’s Word and Outlook accent-mark shortcuts.
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Math symbols
Math AutoCorrect can insert some math symbols from commands in supported Office apps. Availability varies by version, and Microsoft says the feature is not available in web apps; check the current support for your app before relying on a command. Details are in Microsoft’s Math AutoCorrect guide.
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Choose the right insertion method
- Unsure of the code, or no numeric keypad: use the symbol picker.
- Word for Windows and a known Unicode hex code: type the code and press Alt+X.
- Word for Windows and a known decimal/ASCII code: use Alt with the numeric keypad.
- Another Office app: start with that app’s picker, since code conversion can differ.
- Symbol absent or displayed incorrectly: try a font that contains the glyph.
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