Producing Em and En Dashes in Word for Windows

ID: Q47539

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.1a, 2.0, 2.0a, 2.0a-CD, 2.0b, 2.0c, 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c

SUMMARY

An "em dash" is a typographer's term for a dash that measures one "em" long. An "en dash" is half as long as an em dash. To type these characters in Word for Windows, turn on NUM LOCK and hold down the ALT key while you type the following on the numeric keypad:

  1. 0150 for an em dash (press ALT+Keypad 0150)


  2. 0151 for an en dash (press ALT+Keypad 0151)



MORE INFORMATION

In Word 6.0 for Windows, you can either use the Symbol command from the Insert menu or shortcut keys. To use the Insert Symbol command in version 6.0:

  1. From the Insert menu, choose Symbol.


  2. Select the Special Characters tab.


  3. Select the em dash or the en dash from the list of symbols.


The Word for Windows 6.0 shortcut key for the em dash is CTRL+ALT+num- (the MINUS key on the numeric keypad.) The en dash shortcut key is CONTROL+num-.

In Word 2.0 for Windows, you can also use the Insert Symbol command. To use this command, follow these steps:
  1. From the Insert menu, choose Symbol.


  2. In the Symbols From box, select (Normal Text).


  3. Select the em or en dash.


Additional query words: 1.x 2.x 2.0 word6 winword 6.0 winword2

Keywords : kbother
Version : WINDOWS:1.0,1.1,1.1a,2.0,2.0a,2.0a-CD,2.0b,2.0c,6.0,6.0a,6.0c
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: December 22, 1999
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