Every Windows Alt code in one searchable chart: type a name (degree, euro, é) or a number (0176) to find the symbol, its Alt code with and without the leading zero, the Mac Option-key shortcut and the HTML code. Click any symbol to copy it.
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Num Lock on
Hold Alt
Type the number on the numeric keypad
Release Alt
Symbol
Alt code
Alt code (0)
Name
Mac
HTML
No symbols match. Try a name like arrow, accent, fraction or a code like 0233.
The last character you type will be identified here.
Click a symbol to copy it. Alt code uses the old DOS code page 437 (Alt+1 to Alt+255); Alt code (0) with a leading zero uses the Windows-1252 code page. They give different characters above 127, so type the zero when the chart shows it.
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How to use the Alt Codes List
Find your symbol: pick a category such as Currency or Math, or search for a name like degree or copyright.
Read the code: the Alt code (0) column, with the leading zero, is the safest choice in modern Windows apps.
Type it: turn Num Lock on, hold the left Alt key, type the digits on the numeric keypad (not the top row), then release Alt.
No keypad? Just click the symbol in the chart to copy it, then paste with Ctrl+V.
On a Mac, use the shortcut in the Mac column (for example Option+Shift+8 for °).
Alt codes come from two different character tables that Windows still supports side by side:
Alt+1 to Alt+255 (no leading zero) use the computer's OEM code page, which on US English Windows is code page 437, the character set of the original IBM PC. It includes smileys (☺ Alt+1), card suits (♥ Alt+3), arrows, Greek letters and the box-drawing characters used by old DOS programs. Other regions use different OEM pages (for example 850 in much of Western Europe), so these codes can vary by system.
Alt+0128 to Alt+0255 (leading zero) use the Windows ANSI code page, Windows-1252 in the Americas and Western Europe. It contains typographic characters such as curly quotes, dashes, €, ™ and all accented Latin letters. These are the codes most people need today.
Codes 32 to 126 are plain ASCII and type the same keyboard character with or without the zero. A few Windows-1252 positions (0129, 0141, 0143, 0144 and 0157) are unassigned and type nothing useful.
Alt code tips and alternatives
Use the left Alt key. On some international layouts the right Alt key is AltGr, which types layout-specific characters instead.
Word's Alt+X trick: in Microsoft Word, type a Unicode hex code such as 00B0 and press Alt+X to turn it into °; press Alt+X again to turn a character back into its code.
Windows emoji panel: Windows key + period (.) opens a picker with emoji, kaomoji and symbols, handy on laptops without a keypad.
Linux and ChromeOS: press Ctrl+Shift+U, type the hex code (b0 for °) and press Space or Enter.
Web pages: use the HTML column (for example °) or the numeric form °.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use Alt codes?
Turn on Num Lock, hold down the Alt key, type the code on the numeric keypad and release Alt. For example, Alt+0176 types the degree sign °. The digits must be typed on the numeric keypad; the number row above the letters does not work for Alt codes.
What is the difference between Alt+176 and Alt+0176?
Without a leading zero, Windows uses the old OEM code page (code page 437 on US systems), where 176 is a light shade block ░. With the leading zero it uses the Windows-1252 code page, where 0176 is the degree sign °. Codes 1 to 127 give the same character either way for printable characters, but above 127 they differ.
How do I type Alt codes on a laptop without a numeric keypad?
Some laptops have a hidden keypad on the letter keys activated with Fn or Fn+Num Lock. Otherwise use the Windows emoji and symbol panel (Windows key + period), the Character Map app, or simply click a symbol in this chart to copy it.
What is the Alt code for the degree symbol?
The degree symbol ° is Alt+0176 (Windows-1252) or Alt+248 (code page 437). On a Mac press Option+Shift+8. In HTML use °.
Do Alt codes work on Mac or Chromebook?
No. Alt codes are a Windows feature. On a Mac use Option-key shortcuts (listed in the Mac column) or the Character Viewer (Control+Command+Space). On a Chromebook, press Ctrl+Shift+U, type the Unicode hex code and press Enter.
Why does my Alt code type the wrong character?
The usual causes are typing digits on the top number row instead of the keypad, Num Lock being off, or leaving out the leading zero (Alt+130 is é but Alt+0130 is ‚). Some apps and non-US keyboard layouts or system code pages can also map codes differently.
What about symbols that are not in the Alt code chart?
Alt codes only cover 255 characters. For other Unicode symbols in Microsoft Word, type the hex code and press Alt+X (for example 2192 then Alt+X gives →). Elsewhere, copy the symbol from a character tool like our Special Characters page.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.