Alt Codes

Alt codes are keyboard shortcuts that allow you to type special characters and symbols by holding the Alt key and typing a numeric code. Click on any character below to copy it.

How to Use Alt Codes

  1. Hold the Alt key: Press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard
  2. Type the code: Using the numeric keypad (not the top row), type the Alt code number
  3. Release Alt: Release the Alt key and the character will appear

Note: Alt codes work on Windows computers with a numeric keypad. On laptops, you may need to use Fn + number keys.

Common Alt Codes

Character Alt Code Description
Mathematical Symbols
± Alt + 241 Plus or minus
× Alt + 158 Multiplication
÷ Alt + 246 Division
° Alt + 248 Degree symbol
² Alt + 253 Squared
³ Alt + 252 Cubed
Currency Symbols
¢ Alt + 155 Cent
£ Alt + 156 Pound
¥ Alt + 157 Yen
Fractions & Symbols
½ Alt + 171 One half
¼ Alt + 172 One quarter
¾ Alt + 243 Three quarters
© Alt + 169 Copyright
® Alt + 174 Registered
™ Alt + 153 Trademark
Accented Characters
á Alt + 160 a with acute accent
é Alt + 130 e with acute accent
í Alt + 161 i with acute accent
ó Alt + 162 o with acute accent
ú Alt + 163 u with acute accent
ñ Alt + 164 n with tilde
Box Drawing Characters
│ Alt + 179 Vertical line
─ Alt + 196 Horizontal line
┌ Alt + 218 Top-left corner
┐ Alt + 191 Top-right corner
└ Alt + 192 Bottom-left corner
┘ Alt + 217 Bottom-right corner

Tips for Using Alt Codes

  • Numeric Keypad Required: Alt codes only work with the numeric keypad, not the number row
  • Num Lock On: Make sure Num Lock is enabled on your keyboard
  • Laptop Users: Use Fn key + embedded number pad if no dedicated numeric keypad
  • Leading Zeros: Some Alt codes require leading zeros (e.g., Alt + 0169 for ©)
  • Font Dependent: Some characters may not display if the font doesn't support them

See also