How to type a check mark (✓) on Windows, Mac and phone

The check mark (✓ or ✔) is a widely used symbol to indicate agreement, approval or completion. You come across this character in to-do lists, forms, documents and messages. In this article you'll learn all the ways to type this symbol on any device.

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Typing a check mark on Windows

Method 1: Alt code with the numeric keypad

1. Make sure Num Lock is on
2. Hold down Alt
3. Type 10003 on the numeric keypad
4. Release Alt and the check mark ✓ appears

Alternative code: Alt+251 also gives a check mark (√), although technically this is a square root sign.

Method 2: Windows emoji keyboard

1. Press Windows key + . (period) or Windows key + ; (semicolon)
2. Type "check" or "check mark" in the search bar
3. Click the check mark symbol you want

Tip: In the emoji keyboard you'll find several variants: ✓ ✔ ☑ ✅

Typing a check mark on Mac

On a Mac there is no direct shortcut for the check mark, but you have these options:

Method 1: Character Viewer

1. Press Control + Command + Space
2. Search for "check" or "checkmark"
3. Double-click the symbol you want

Method 2: Set up a text replacement

1. Go to System Preferences → Keyboard → Text
2. Add a replacement, for example: type "vv" → becomes "✓"
3. Now you can type "vv" anywhere to get a check mark

Method 3: Option-V for some fonts

In certain fonts Option + V gives a check mark, but this does not work universally.

Typing a check mark on Linux

Method 1: Unicode input

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + U
2. Type 2713 (the hexadecimal Unicode value for ✓)
3. Press Enter or Space

Method 2: Compose key

If you have set up a compose key:

• Press Compose, then -, then -, then V

Method 3: Character map

Open the character map from your applications menu and search for "check mark".

Typing a check mark on iPhone and iPad

1. Open the emoji keyboard by tapping the smiley icon (to the left of the space bar)
2. Tap the search icon and type "check" or "check mark"
3. Choose from the available options: ✓ ✔ ☑ ✅

Tip: Add frequently used symbols to your text replacements via Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement.

Typing a check mark on Android

1. Open your keyboard and tap the emoji icon (usually a smiley)
2. Use the search function and search for "check" or "check mark"
3. Select the check mark symbol you want

Gboard users: You can also long-press certain letters to find special characters, or browse the Symbols section.

Typing a check mark in Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

1. Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols
2. Select the Wingdings or Wingdings 2 font
3. Find the check mark and click Insert

Shortcut in Word: Type 2713, select it and press Alt + X

Microsoft Excel

1. Go to Insert → Symbols → Symbol
2. Choose the Wingdings font
3. Scroll to the check mark or type character code 252 (with the Wingdings font)

PowerPoint

The same method as Word: Insert → Symbol, or copy and paste it from somewhere else.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between ✓ and ✔?

The thin check mark (✓) is Unicode U+2713 "Check Mark". The bold check mark (✔) is Unicode U+2714 "Heavy Check Mark". Both have the same meaning; the difference is purely visual.

Why doesn't Alt+10003 work on my laptop?

Many laptops don't have a separate numeric keypad. In that case you have to turn on Num Lock (often via the Fn key) and use the numbers on the letter keys (usually 7, 8, 9, U, I, O, J, K, L). Otherwise you can use the emoji keyboard or Character Map.

Can I use the check mark as a bullet point in Word?

Yes! Go to Home → Bullets → Define New Bullet → Symbol and choose the check mark from the Wingdings fonts.

Shortcut overview