Typing the plus or minus symbol (±) is essential in mathematics, statistics, and technical writing to represent uncertainty, tolerances, or dual values. This guide shows you exactly how to insert this symbol efficiently on different devices and platforms.
Whether you are drafting formulas in a spreadsheet, writing engineering reports, or labeling measurements, knowing these methods saves time and prevents manual copying errors.
| Platform | keyboard shortcut | Menu or virtual key | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Alt + 0177 | Insert Symbol dialog | Hold Alt, type 0177 on numeric keypad |
| macOS | Option + Shift + = | Edit > Special Characters | Use keyboard shortcut or open Character Viewer |
| iOS | – | Numeric keyboard → += | Tap 123, then hold = to reveal ± |
| Android | – | Symbols → +/− | Tap ?123, then tap =+ to see ± |
| HTML | – | Entity code | Use ± in web pages and emails |
Windows Keyboard Methods
Using the Alt Code
On Windows, the most reliable approach is the Alt numeric code. Make sure Num Lock is on, hold the Alt key, and type 0177 on the numeric keypad. Release Alt, and the ± symbol appears in your document.
Character Map Utility
If your keyboard lacks a numeric keypad, open Character Map from the Start menu. Search for "plus minus", select ±, choose your font, and click Copy to insert it anywhere.
macOS Keyboard and Character Viewer
Keyboard Shortcut
Press Option + Shift + = to produce ± directly in most macOS applications. This shortcut works in text editors, browsers, and office software without opening extra panels.
Character Viewer
Choose Edit > Emoji & Symbols, search "plus minus", and double-click to insert the symbol. You can also enable a keyboard shortcut to bring up the Character Viewer quickly in System Settings.
Mobile and Web Input
iOS Devices
Switch to the numeric keyboard by tapping 123, then hold the equals key (=) to reveal the plus or minus symbol. Slide your finger to ± and lift to insert it into messages or forms.
Android Devices
Tap ?123 to open the symbols layout, then tap =+ to expand the options. Select ± to add it to your text, or use the long-press gesture on = for quicker access.
Coding and HTML Usage
HTML Entities and CSS
In web development, use the HTML entity ± inside your content to render ± correctly in browsers. You can also use the CSS content property with the Unicode code point "\00B1" in pseudo-elements for decorative symbols.
LaTeX and Markdown
In LaTeX, type `\pm` in math mode to produce ±, which is standard for scientific notation. Markdown editors that support raw HTML allow `±` when the parser does not convert it automatically.
Best Practices for Consistent Use
- Use the correct Alt code or keyboard shortcut to avoid manual copying.
- Test the symbol in your target application, especially when sharing documents across platforms.
- Prefer HTML entity ± or LaTeX \pm for digital publishing to ensure compatibility.
- Bookmark character maps or virtual keyboard guides for quick reference.
- Verify that fonts in your documents support the ± symbol to prevent display issues.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does the plus or minus symbol not appear when I use Alt + 0177?
Ensure Num Lock is on and you are using the numeric keypad, not the row of numbers above letters. Some laptops require holding a Function key or switching to an extended character layout.
How can I type ± on a Mac if Option + Shift + = does not work?
Use the Character Viewer by pressing Control + Command + Space, search for "plus minus", and insert the symbol. You can also add ± to your custom text substitutions in System Settings for a shortcut.
Will typing ± display correctly on all web browsers?
Yes, the HTML entity ± is widely supported and renders consistently across modern browsers, ensuring your symbols appear as intended for readers.
How do I type ± on a touchscreen calculator or programming environment?
Open the symbols or functions menu, look for "plus minus" or ±, and tap to insert. In code, use the appropriate escape sequence or function provided by the language or library.