To type an em dash (—) on Windows, hold Alt and type 0151 on the number pad, then release Alt. No number pad? Press Windows key + . (period), click the Symbols tab (Ω), and choose the em dash from General punctuation. In Microsoft Word, you can also press Ctrl + Alt + Minus (the minus key on the number pad), or type a word, two hyphens, another word, and a space, and Word turns the hyphens into a dash.
Here are all the ways to type an em dash on Windows, plus the en dash and how the two differ.
Em dash shortcuts on Windows
| Method | How | Works in |
|---|---|---|
| Alt code | Hold Alt, type 0151 on the number pad | Most apps |
| Emoji and symbols panel | Windows key + . > Symbols (Ω) > General punctuation | All apps |
| Word shortcut | Ctrl + Alt + Minus (number pad) | Microsoft Word, Outlook |
| AutoCorrect | word–word then a space | Word, Outlook |
| Character Map | Search Character Map in Start, find —, click Copy | All apps |
Method 1: Use the Alt code
- Turn on Num Lock.
- Click where you want the dash.
- Hold Alt, type 0151 on the number pad, and let go of Alt.
The number keys above the letters won’t work for Alt codes. On laptops with a hidden number pad, you may need to press Fn or Num Lock to use it.
Method 2: Use the emoji and symbols panel
- Click where you want the dash.
- Press Windows key + . (period) or Windows key + ; (semicolon).
- Click the Symbols tab (the Ω icon).
- Choose General punctuation and click the em dash (—).
Method 3: Use Microsoft Word shortcuts
- Ctrl + Alt + Minus (on the number pad) inserts an em dash.
- Ctrl + Minus (on the number pad) inserts an en dash.
- AutoFormat: Type a word, two hyphens with no spaces, another word, then a space, like word–word. Word changes it to an em dash. Turn this on in File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type > Hyphens (–) with dash (—).
- Insert > Symbol > More Symbols > Special Characters > Em Dash.
Em dash vs. en dash vs. hyphen
| Mark | Name | Alt code | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | Em dash | Alt + 0151 | Breaks in a sentence—like this one |
| – | En dash | Alt + 0150 | Ranges, like pages 10–20 |
| – | Hyphen | Key next to 0 | Joining words, like well-known |
For other symbols, see inserting a check mark in Word.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t Alt + 0151 work?
You’re probably using the number row instead of the number pad, or Num Lock is off. Use the symbols panel instead.
How do I type an em dash in Google Docs?
Use Alt + 0151, or go to Insert > Special characters and search for “em dash.” You can also add a substitution in Tools > Preferences.
How do I type an em dash on a Mac?
Press Option + Shift + Hyphen.
Should there be spaces around an em dash?
US style guides usually use no spaces. Some publications and British styles use spaces. Follow the style you’re writing for.
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.