Colon Symbol Copy and Paste (:)
Colon
Unicode U+003A · HTML : · Alt code Alt+58
Tap any symbol to copy it. Each tap also adds it to the box above, so you can copy several together.
Codes for every symbol on this page (Unicode, HTML, Alt, Mac, Word)
| Symbol | Name | Unicode | HTML | Windows Alt code | Mac | MS Word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| : | Colon | U+003A | : | Alt+58 | - | 003A then Alt+X |
| ： | Fullwidth colon | U+FF1A | ： | - | - | FF1A then Alt+X |
| ꞉ | Modifier letter colon | U+A789 | ꞉ | - | - | A789 then Alt+X |
| ∶ | Ratio sign | U+2236 | ∶ | - | - | 2236 then Alt+X |
| ː | Length mark (IPA) | U+02D0 | ː | - | - | 02D0 then Alt+X |
The colon symbol : is two dots placed one above the other. It tells the reader "here comes the detail": a list, an explanation, an example or a time such as 10:30.
Copy a single colon from the box above, or tap the grid for the ratio sign ∶ and the fullwidth colon ：. This page explains each use of the : symbol with example sentences, how to type it, and how it differs from the semicolon.
What Does the Colon Symbol Mean?
A colon works like a pointing finger. The part before it sets something up, and the part after it delivers. Read it as "that is", "as follows" or "namely".
The main grammar rule: the words before a colon should make a complete sentence. The words after it can be one word, a list or a full sentence.
- Correct: We need three things: flour, sugar and ghee.
- Wrong: We need: flour, sugar and ghee. ("We need" is not complete, so drop the colon.)
After a colon, start with a small letter unless the next word is a name or the part after it is a full sentence that you want to stress. Indian school and office writing usually follows this simple rule.
Uses of the Colon With Examples
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Before a list | The kit contains: a bandage, cotton and an antiseptic cream. (Better: The kit contains three items: a bandage, cotton and an antiseptic cream.) |
| Before an explanation | The shop was closed: it was a bank holiday. |
| Time | The meeting starts at 10:30 and ends at 11:15. |
| Ratios and scores | Mix water and cement in the ratio 3:2. India won the series 2:1. |
| Labels in forms and letters | Name: Sneha Patil Subject: Leave application |
| Titles and subtitles | Indian History: From the Indus Valley to 1947 |
| Speech in scripts | Teacher: Open your books. Student: Which page, ma'am? |
| Web links | https://example.com |
The first list row shows a common mistake. Check that the words before the colon could stand alone as a sentence.
Colon and Semicolon Symbol: What Is the Difference?
People mix up the colon and semicolon symbol because they share a key. Their jobs are different.
| Colon : | Semicolon ; | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Two dots | Dot over a comma |
| Job | Introduces what follows | Joins two equal sentences |
| After it | A list, word, example or sentence | A full sentence (or the next item in a long list) |
| Example | One subject scares me: maths. | Maths scares me; science excites me. |
Simple test: if you could replace the mark with "that is" or "namely", use a colon. If you could replace it with a full stop and both halves still work, use a semicolon. Both belong to the larger set of punctuation marks.
Single Colon vs Double Colon Symbol
A single colon symbol is the normal punctuation mark. A double colon symbol :: is just two colons typed together. You will mostly meet it in computing:
- C++ and PHP:
std::coutuses :: to say "this belongs to". - CSS:
p::first-linestyles part of an element. - Programming in general: a single colon often separates a key from its value, as in
colour: redor"name": "Asha".
In normal English writing you never need ::. If you see it in a sentence, it is a typing error.
How to Type the Colon Symbol
- Windows, Mac and Linux: press Shift+;. The colon is the upper sign on the semicolon key, to the right of L.
- Alt code: hold Alt and type 58 on the numeric keypad with Num Lock on.
- Word: type 003A and press Alt+X. For the ratio sign ∶, type 2236 and press Alt+X.
- Android: on most Android keyboards, tap ?123; the colon is on the first symbols page.
- iPhone: tap 123; the colon is in the second row.
The ratio sign ∶, the fullwidth colon ： and the other look-alikes have no standard Alt code, so copy them from the grid above or use the Word code.
Colon Look-Alikes: Ratio Sign and Others
| Symbol | Name | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| : | Colon | All normal writing, time, ratios typed on a keyboard |
| ∶ | Ratio | Maths books where the ratio sign should look centred and spaced, as in 4 ∶ 5 |
| ： | Fullwidth colon | Chinese and Japanese text |
| ː | Triangular colon | Phonetics (IPA), to show a long sound |
| ꞉ | Modifier letter colon | Some writing systems use it as a letter, not punctuation |
For other maths signs, see our math symbols list. For the matching dot sign, visit the therefore symbol page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the : symbol called?
The : symbol is called a colon. It is two dots, one above the other. In maths it is read as "is to", as in 3:2 (three is to two).
Should I put a space after a colon?
In sentences, put one space after the colon and none before it: "Note: bring ID." In times (10:30), ratios (3:2) and web links, use no spaces at all.
Is the colon used before every list?
No. Use a colon only when the words before it form a full sentence. "Our colours are red and blue" needs no colon, but "We have two colours: red and blue" does.
What does 🙂 mean in a message?
A colon followed by a closing bracket makes a sideways smiling face. Many apps turn it into a smiley emoji. See our smiley symbols for more faces.
What is the colon semicolon symbol key?
On most keyboards, colon and semicolon share one key to the right of L. Press it alone for ; and with Shift for :.