The angle symbol (∠) is common in geometry homework, engineering documents and technical specs. Word doesn’t have a toolbar button for it, but you can insert it in seconds with a Unicode shortcut, the Symbol dialog, or the Equation editor, and set up AutoCorrect so it appears whenever you type a short code. This guide covers all methods in Word for Windows and Mac, plus related symbols like the measured angle and the degree sign.
Quick Answer
Type 2220 in your Word document, then press Alt + X. Word converts it to the angle symbol ∠. In an equation, type \angle and press the Spacebar.
Method 1: Alt + X Unicode Shortcut (Windows)
- Click where you want the symbol.
- Type 2220.
- Press Alt + X. The code turns into ∠.
If the symbol merges with a preceding number or letter, type a space first, or select just the code before pressing Alt + X.
Method 2: Symbol Dialog
- Go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.
- Set Font to (normal text) and Subset to Mathematical Operators.
- Click the angle symbol, or type 2220 in Character code with from: Unicode (hex).
- Click Insert, then Close.
After the first use, the symbol appears in the Insert > Symbol recently used list.
Method 3: Equation Editor
- Press Alt + = (or Insert > Equation).
- Type \angle and press the Spacebar.
- Continue typing, for example \angle ABC=90\degree.
Other useful codes: \measuredangle (∡), \sphericalangle (∢), \degree (°), \perp (⊥), \parallel (∥).
Method 4: AutoCorrect Shortcut
- Insert an angle symbol and select it.
- Go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols and click AutoCorrect.
- In Replace, type a code such as (ang) and click Add, then OK.
Now typing (ang) followed by a space inserts ∠.
Word for Mac
- Go to Insert > Advanced Symbol (or Insert > Symbol), choose Mathematical Operators and double-click ∠.
- Or press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer and search for “angle.”
- The equation method (\angle) also works.
Related Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Alt + X code |
|---|---|---|
| ∠ | Angle | 2220 |
| ∡ | Measured angle | 2221 |
| ∢ | Spherical angle | 2222 |
| ° | Degree | 00B0 (or Alt + 0176 on the number pad) |
| ⊥ | Perpendicular | 22A5 |
| ∵ | Because | 2235 |
| ∴ | Therefore | 2234 |
Troubleshooting
- Box or question mark appears: the font doesn’t include the symbol. Change the font to Cambria Math, Segoe UI Symbol or Calibri.
- Alt + X does nothing: it works in Word, WordPad and Outlook but not in every app. Use the Symbol dialog or Windows + . (period) emoji panel > Symbols tab.
- Converted wrong characters: Alt + X converts the characters directly before the cursor; add a space before the code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the angle symbol the same as the less-than sign?
No. ∠ is a distinct character (U+2220); don’t substitute <.
Does this work in Google Docs?
Use Insert > Special characters and search “angle,” or type \angle in an equation.
Can I use it in PowerPoint and Excel?
Alt + X works in PowerPoint on Windows; in Excel, use Insert > Symbol.
Summary
- Type 2220 and press Alt + X.
- Or use Insert > Symbol > Mathematical Operators.
- In equations, type \angle.
- Create an AutoCorrect entry for quick reuse.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.