Alt Codes & Keyboard Shortcuts
Plus-Minus Alt Code
The tolerance sign, for values that can fall either side of a figure.
±
- Windows
- Alt + 0177
- Mac
- Option + Shift + =
- Unicode
- U+00B1
Try Plus-Minus Alt Code
Edit the text, then change the font and size.
About this entry
What it is
The tolerance sign, for values that can fall either side of a figure.
Measurements, margins of error and engineering notes.
Copy & use
How to copy and use plus-minus alt code
- 01
Copy the complete value
Use the copy button above so the value is captured without its label, description or surrounding page text.
- 02
Paste it where you need it
Measurements, margins of error and engineering notes.
- 03
Check the final result
Windows Alt codes may require a numeric keypad and Num Lock. Laptop keyboards, browser fields and regional layouts can behave differently, so copying is the dependable fallback.
What it is for
When to reach for ±
The plus-minus sign states a tolerance or a margin of error: 20 ± 2 means anywhere from 18 to 22. In mathematics it also indicates two possible roots.
Getting the shortcut to work
The Windows code needs the numeric keypad with Num Lock on — the number row above the letters will not work. On a laptop without a keypad, use the copy button above or Windows Character Map.
Easily confused
Characters that look like ±
These are separate characters. They may look almost identical on screen, but they sort, search and compare differently.
Minus-or-plus
The reversed order, which matters in equations where signs are paired.
Typed approximation
Readable but takes three characters and breaks across lines.
Common questions
Using plus-minus alt code
What is plus-minus alt code?
The tolerance sign, for values that can fall either side of a figure. Measurements, margins of error and engineering notes.
How do I type Plus-Minus without copying it?
On Windows: Alt + 0177. On macOS: Option + Shift + =. Windows Alt codes need the numeric keypad with Num Lock on, so laptops without one are usually quicker to serve by the copy button above.
Will plus-minus alt code work everywhere?
Windows Alt codes may require a numeric keypad and Num Lock. Laptop keyboards, browser fields and regional layouts can behave differently, so copying is the dependable fallback.
Can I customise plus-minus alt code after copying?
You can add a short label, repeat compatible symbols or trim the design to fit. Keep important spaces, line breaks and uncommon Unicode characters intact while editing.
Also known as
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