How to type the section symbol
Use the shortcut for the device or app you have open, or copy the symbol above.
- Windows (numeric keypad)
- Hold Alt and type 0167 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt
- Windows (Word)
- Type 00A7 then press Alt + X
- Mac
- Option + 6 on a US keyboard layout
- iPhone / iPad
- Copy § from this page, or add a Text Replacement in Settings → General → Keyboard
- 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 section
- Microsoft Word
- Type 00A7 then Alt + X, Option + 6 on Mac, or Insert → Symbol
What is the section symbol?
The section symbol § is Unicode U+00A7 SECTION SIGN. It points to a numbered section of a law, contract, or long document, and a double §§ points to several sections.
How to type the section symbol and cite with it
On Windows with a numeric keypad, hold Alt and type 0167. On a Mac, press Option + 6. In Word, type 00A7 then Alt + X. Google Docs has Insert → Special characters, where a search for section finds it. On a phone, the copy button above is the quickest route, and a Text Replacement on iPhone saves a shortcut for repeat use.
Legal writing uses § before a section number, with a space after it: 17 U.S.C. § 107. For several sections, use a doubled symbol, as in §§ 101–103. Many style guides ask for a non-breaking space between § and the number so a line break never separates them. Follow the citation guide your court, school, or publisher uses.
Outside law, § labels sections in academic papers, standards, manuals, and older books, and it points to a numbered clause in contracts. In some European countries, it is also the everyday mark for a legal paragraph of a statute.
On the web, write § or § in HTML, or paste § into a UTF-8 file. In CSS content, use the escape \00A7. UTF-8 encodes it as the two bytes C2 A7. Reference formats such as LaTeX write it as \S.
The section sign is often confused with the pilcrow ¶ (U+00B6), which marks a paragraph, and the paragraph symbol has its own page. Both appear in the related characters row, along with the reversed pilcrow ⁋ and a decorative paragraph ornament ❡. Pick by meaning: § for a section, ¶ for a paragraph.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Alt code for the section symbol?
On Windows with a numeric keypad, hold Alt and type 0167 to get §.
How do I type § on a Mac?
Press Option + 6 on a US keyboard layout.
What is the HTML code for the section symbol?
Use § or § in HTML. In CSS, the escape is \00A7.
How do I cite several sections?
Use a doubled symbol followed by the range, as in §§ 101–103. Check your style guide for spacing details.
What is the difference between § and ¶?
§ is the section sign and points to a numbered section. ¶ is the pilcrow, or paragraph sign. Both can be copied from this page.
Is the section symbol free to use?
Yes. It is a standard Unicode character, free to copy and paste with no account required.