For an occasional symbol, use the application’s built-in symbol picker: it works without memorizing a code or having a numeric keypad. In Word for Windows, go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols. If you prefer keyboard entry, Word on Windows supports two distinct methods: Unicode hexadecimal code plus Alt+X, or a decimal/ASCII code entered with Alt and the numeric keypad.
Insert a symbol with Word for Windows’ picker
- Place the cursor where the symbol should appear.
- Select Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.
- Choose a font and, if available, a subset. Find and select the character, then choose Insert.
The picker is the simplest route when you do not know a character code or your keyboard lacks a 10-key pad. Frequently used characters may appear under Recently Used Symbols. If a character is missing or displays as a box, try a font that includes it: fonts have different glyph coverage, and Microsoft identifies Segoe UI Symbol as one with a large Unicode collection. Microsoft’s Word symbol instructions explain the picker and font selection.
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Enter symbols with codes in Word for Windows
First check the code type shown in the Symbol dialog. The two code methods are not interchangeable: Unicode hexadecimal codes use Alt+X, while decimal/ASCII codes use Alt plus the numeric keypad.
Unicode hexadecimal: type the code, then press Alt+X
Type the hexadecimal code at the insertion point and press Alt+X to convert it into the character. For example, type 0024 and press Alt+X to produce $. Microsoft documents this conversion for Word for Windows; do not assume it works in every Office application.
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Decimal/ASCII: use Alt and the numeric keypad
Hold Alt and type the code on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. Use the keypad, not the number row above the letters; Num Lock may need to be on. Microsoft’s Word guidance gives these examples:
| Character | Word for Windows decimal/ASCII entry |
|---|---|
| Euro (€) | Alt+0128 |
| Pound (£) | Alt+0163 |
| Yen (¥) | Alt+0165 |
| Cent (¢) | Alt+0162 |
| Degree (°) | Alt+0176 |
These are the examples documented by Microsoft for Word’s code-entry guidance, not a promise that every program interprets codes identically. See Microsoft’s ASCII and Unicode code instructions for Word.
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Insert the degree sign
In Word for Windows, the picker route is Insert > Symbol > More Symbols; select the degree sign and insert it. The keyboard alternative documented by Microsoft is Alt+0176, entered with a 10-key numeric pad. If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, use the picker instead. The shortcut and menu route are described in Microsoft’s degree-symbol instructions.
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Use the symbol picker in other Office apps
Menu names and code support differ among Office applications and versions. When in doubt, use that app’s symbol picker rather than assuming Word’s code conversion works there. Microsoft notes that some programs, including PowerPoint, cannot convert Unicode codes to characters; Character Map is an alternative when a code-conversion route is unavailable. Its broader guidance covers listed Windows Office editions and explains the limitation at Microsoft’s cross-app symbol and character instructions.
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Find symbols on a Mac
Microsoft’s Mac-specific guidance lists different menu routes by app:
- Word: Insert > Advanced Symbol.
- Excel and PowerPoint: Insert > Symbol.
- Outlook: Edit > Emoji & Symbols.
In the character and emoji viewer, expand the view to browse additional symbol sets. Menu labels can vary by app version. See Microsoft’s Mac symbol instructions.
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Insert accented characters and math symbols
Accents and international characters
Word and Outlook provide dedicated keyboard combinations for accent marks and international characters, as well as the code-entry approaches described above. If you work frequently in another language, switching to its keyboard layout can be more convenient than repeatedly entering codes. Consult Microsoft’s Word and Outlook accent-shortcut guide for the supported combinations.
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In supported Office apps, Math AutoCorrect can turn a command into a mathematical symbol. Support depends on app and version, and Microsoft says the feature is not available in web apps; check current support before relying on a particular command. The Math AutoCorrect quick-start guide describes the feature and its limitations.
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Choose the method that fits your setup
- Unsure of the code or no numeric keypad: use the symbol picker.
- Know a Unicode hexadecimal code in Word for Windows: type it and press Alt+X.
- Have a 10-key pad and a decimal/ASCII code: use Alt plus the keypad digits.
- Working in another Office app or on a Mac: follow that app’s picker route; do not assume the Windows Word shortcut behaves the same way.
- Character is absent or renders incorrectly: try a font that contains the glyph.
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