To type a plus-or-minus sign (±) in Word, click Insert > Symbol and choose ± from the list, or click More Symbols, find it in the Latin-1 Supplement subset, and click Insert. Faster options: type 00B1 and press Alt + X, or hold Alt and type 0177 on the number pad. On a Mac, press Option + Shift + =.
This guide covers every method, how to create your own shortcut or AutoCorrect entry, using ± in equations, and typing it in other apps.
Method 1: Insert Symbol
- Click where you want the symbol.
- Go to Insert > Symbol. If ± appears in the recent symbols list, click it.
- Otherwise, click More Symbols, set Font to (normal text) and Subset to Latin-1 Supplement, select ±, and click Insert.
Method 2: Alt + X
Type 00B1 and immediately press Alt + X. Word converts the code into ±. If it converts the wrong characters, put a space before the code.
Method 3: Alt code
Make sure Num Lock is on, hold Alt, type 0177 on the numeric keypad (not the top row), and release Alt. Alt + 241 also works in many fonts. This works in most Windows apps, not just Word.
Method 4: Mac shortcut
In Word for Mac and most Mac apps, press Option + Shift + = (equals key).
Method 5: Equations
Inside an equation (Insert > Equation, or Alt + =), type \pm and press Space. Type \mp for minus-or-plus (∓).
Create a shortcut or AutoCorrect entry
- Shortcut key – in the Symbol dialog, select ±, click Shortcut Key, press a combination like Ctrl + Alt + P, and click Assign.
- AutoCorrect – in the Symbol dialog, click AutoCorrect, type something like +- in Replace, and click Add. Word replaces it with ± as you type. Choose a combination you won’t type by accident.
Other places to type ±
- Windows emoji and symbol panel – press Windows + . (period), click the Ω symbols tab, and find ± under math symbols.
- Google Docs – Insert > Special characters and search “plus minus.”
- Excel – Insert > Symbol, or use Alt + 0177.
- iPhone and Android – on many keyboards, long-press the + key in the symbols layout.
Troubleshooting
- Alt code types nothing – turn on Num Lock and use the number pad. On laptops without one, use Alt + X or Insert Symbol.
- Symbol looks different – some fonts draw ± differently. Change the font of that character if needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Unicode for the plus-minus sign?
U+00B1.
What’s the difference between ± and ∓?
± means plus or minus; ∓ (minus-or-plus) is used when paired with ± to show opposite signs.
Can I add ± to the Quick Access Toolbar?
You can add the Symbol command to the Quick Access Toolbar for faster access.
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.