Hold Alt, type the number.
Here's the number.
222 symbols with a Windows Alt code, each with the Mac shortcut and HTML entity beside it. Type a symbol name, the symbol itself, or a code.
- 1Turn on Num Lock.
- 2Hold Alt.
- 3Type the code on the numeric keypad.
- 4Release Alt.
No numpad? Press Win+. for the symbol panel, or use Alt+X in Word.
Most searched Alt codes
Two tables, one trick
Alt codes come from two character tables. Alt+1 to Alt+255 (no leading zero) use CP437, the original IBM PC set, which is where ☺ ♥ ♪ and the box-drawing characters come from. Alt+0128 to Alt+0255 (leading zero) use Windows-1252, the standard Windows code page, which holds accented letters, currency signs, curly quotes and the trademark sign. Where a symbol exists in both, the table above shows the Windows-1252 code first and the classic code under "Also".
Codes above 255
Anything above 255 is a Unicode decimal code. Microsoft Word and WordPad accept them; Notepad, browsers and most other apps do not. In Word, the more reliable method is to type the hex code and press Alt+X. Each symbol page on this site lists the hex code.
Alt codes on a laptop
Alt codes require the numeric keypad. On a laptop without one, press Win+. to open the emoji panel and switch to the symbols tab, or open Character Map from the Start menu. Some laptops hide a numpad under the J K L U I O keys, activated with Fn.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use an Alt code? +
Turn on Num Lock, hold the Alt key, type the number on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The symbol appears where your cursor is. The number row above the letters does not work.
Why do some Alt codes start with a zero? +
Codes with a leading zero (Alt+0128 to Alt+0255) use the Windows-1252 code page. Codes without a zero (Alt+1 to Alt+255) use the older CP437 table from DOS. The same digits can give different symbols, so type the zero when the code shows one.
Do Alt codes work on a laptop without a numpad? +
Not with the number row. Use the Windows emoji panel (Win + .), Character Map, or type the Unicode hex code and press Alt + X in Word. Some laptops have a hidden numpad on the J K L U I O keys via the Fn key.
Do Alt codes work on a Mac? +
No. Macs use Option-key shortcuts instead, for example Option + G for © and Option + Shift + 8 for °. The Mac column in the table shows the equivalent where one exists.
Why does my Alt code type the wrong character? +
You are probably using the other code page: try adding or removing the leading zero. Alt codes above 255 are Unicode decimals and only work in apps like Word and WordPad.