ALT Codes for Windows

This page list codes for accented letters and other characters. In order to use these codes, your computer should have a separate numeric keypad on the right. If it does not, then another method of inputting accents is recommended.

Letters with Accents

This list is focused on Western European languages. See the individual Language pages for additional codes.

Example

To input the acute a á (0225), hold down the ALT key, type 0225 on the numeric keypad, then release the ALT key.

If you are having problems inputting these codes, please review the instructions for using the codes at the bottom of this Web page.

Additional Codes

Other Foreign Characters

Currency Symbols

Math Symbols

Fractions

These codes produce fractions which are spaced on one line.

Superscript and Subscript

Check these references for other methods to implement superscript/subscript and extra fractions

• Superscript/Subscript in Microsoft Word
• Superscript/Subscript in HTML and CSS

Additional Math Codes

See the Unicode Math Chart for additional codes for math symbols. Note that they only work in Microsoft Office and that you should use the non-Hex code. For instance an entry &‌#8731; for the cube root symbol (∛) would correspond to ALT+8731 in Word.

Other Punctuation

These incude copyright symbols and special section marks.

Using the Codes

Windows assigns a numeric code to different accented letters, other foreign characters and special mathematical symbols. For instance the code for lower case á is 0225, and the code for capital Á is 0193. The ALT key input is used to manually insert these letters and symbols by calling the numeric code assigned to them.

To Use the Codes

1. Place your cursor in the location where you wish to insert a special character.
2. Activate the numeric key pad on the right of the keyboard by pressing Num Lock (upper right of keyboard). The Num Lock light on the keyboard will indicate that the numeric key pad is on.
   NOTE: You must use the numeric key pad; if you use the number keys on the top of the keyboard, the characters will not appear. If you are on a laptop or computer without a separate numeric keypad one of the other methods is recommended.
3. While pressing down the ALT key, type the four-digit code on the numeric key pad at the right edge of the keyboard. The codes are "case sensitive." For instance, the code for lower-case á is ALT+0225, but capital Á is ALT+0193.
   NOTE: If you have the International keyboard activated, you will only be able to input codes with the ALT key on the left side of the keyboard.
4. Release the ALT key. The character will appear when the ALT key is released.
   NOTE: You must include the initial zero in the code. For example to insert á (0225) you must type ALT+0225, NOT ALT+225.

Links to External Reference Pages

• Washington State University
• Starr.Net
• Andrè Moreau
• ALT Codes for Foreign Language Letters with Accents (Useful Shortcuts.Com)

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