How to type the plus minus symbol
Use the shortcut for the device or app you have open, or copy the symbol above.
- Windows (numeric keypad)
- Hold Alt and type 0177 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt
- Windows (Word)
- Type 00B1 then press Alt + X, or in an equation type \pm and a space
- Mac
- Option + Shift + = on a US keyboard layout
- iPhone / iPad
- Copy ± from this page, or add a Text Replacement in Settings → General → Keyboard (for example +- for ±)
- Android
- Open the keyboard symbol pages (?123, then =\<) to look for ±, or copy it from this page
- Google Docs
- Insert → Special characters and search for plus-minus, or in an equation type \pm and a space
- Microsoft Word
- Type 00B1 then Alt + X, Option + Shift + = on Mac, or Insert → Symbol
What is the plus minus symbol?
The plus minus symbol ± is Unicode U+00B1 PLUS-MINUS SIGN. It means “plus or minus”, and it expresses a tolerance (5 ± 0.1) or a result with two values, as in the quadratic formula.
How to type the plus minus symbol and use it
On Windows with a numeric keypad, hold Alt and type 0177. On a Mac, press Option + Shift + =. In Word, type 00B1 then Alt + X, or use the equation shortcut \pm followed by a space, which also works in Google Docs equations. On a phone, the copy button above is the quickest option.
The usual jobs are tolerances and margins: 10 mm ± 0.2 mm, 52% ± 3 points. Writing the unit after both numbers or after the whole expression are both common styles, so follow your own style guide. Science and engineering notes use ± for measurement uncertainty, and polls use it for the margin of error.
In algebra, ± shows that an equation has two results. The quadratic formula x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / 2a gives both roots in one line. The companion character ∓ (minus-or-plus) is used when the second sign in a line pairs with the opposite sign of the first.
On the web, write ± or ± in HTML, or paste ± into a UTF-8 file. In CSS content, use the escape \00B1. UTF-8 encodes it as the two bytes C2 B1. LaTeX writes it as \pm.
Keep the sign separate from lookalikes: + and − are single operators, × is multiplication, and ÷ is division, all in the related characters row. A plain hyphen-minus (-) is a different character from the true minus sign − (U+2212), which many typographers prefer in numbers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Alt code for the plus minus symbol?
On Windows with a numeric keypad, hold Alt and type 0177 to get ±.
How do I type ± on a Mac?
Press Option + Shift + = on a US keyboard layout.
What is the HTML code for the plus minus symbol?
Use ± or ± in HTML. In CSS, the escape is \00B1.
How do I type plus minus on iPhone or Android?
Copy ± from this page. For repeat use, add a Text Replacement on iPhone, or check the keyboard symbol pages on Android.
What does ± mean?
It means “plus or minus”: a value with an allowed range, as in 5 ± 0.1, or two results at once, as in the quadratic formula.
Is the plus minus symbol free to use?
Yes. It is a standard Unicode character, free to copy and paste with no account required.