Dash Symbol Copy and Paste (– —)
En dash
Unicode U+2013 · HTML – · Alt code Alt+0150 · Mac Option+Hyphen
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | En dash | U+2013 | – | Alt+0150 | Option+Hyphen | 2013 then Alt+X |
| — | Em dash | U+2014 | — | Alt+0151 | Option+Shift+Hyphen | 2014 then Alt+X |
| ― | Horizontal bar | U+2015 | ― | - | - | 2015 then Alt+X |
| ‒ | Figure dash | U+2012 | ‒ | - | - | 2012 then Alt+X |
| - | Hyphen (shortest) | U+002D | - | Alt+45 | - | 002D then Alt+X |
| ⸺ | Two-em dash | U+2E3A | ⸺ | - | - | 2E3A then Alt+X |
A dash symbol is a horizontal line that is longer than a hyphen. The two main ones are the en dash – (used for ranges, like 10–20) and the em dash — (used for a strong break in a sentence).
Tap the copy box above for the en dash, or tap any dash in the grid. Below you will find the keyboard shortcuts for each one, simple rules for when to use a hyphen, en dash or em dash, and a few rarer dashes.
Types of Dashes Symbol Chart
All of these look like lines, but each has its own Unicode character and job.
| Symbol | Name | Width | Main use |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | Hyphen | Shortest | Joins words: well-known |
| ‒ | Figure dash | Same as a digit | Inside numbers so they line up, like 0791‒2345 |
| – | En dash | Width of n | Ranges and links: 2–3 days |
| — | Em dash | Width of m | Breaks and asides in a sentence |
| ― | Horizontal bar | Similar to the em dash | Introducing quoted speech in some styles |
| ⸺ | Two-em dash | Twice the em dash | Missing letters or words: Mr. K⸺ |
The em dash is the long dash symbol most people mean when they say "big dash symbol".
En Dash Symbol (–): When to Use It
The en dash means "to" or "between". Use it with no spaces in these cases:
- Number ranges: Read pages 45–60.
- Time ranges: The shop is open 10 am–8 pm.
- Scores: India won 3–1.
- Routes and links: the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, a teacher–parent meeting.
Do not mix words and the dash. Write "from 5 to 7" or "5–7", never "from 5–7".
Em Dash Symbol (—): When to Use It
The em dash marks a sudden break or an added thought. It can replace commas, brackets or a colon when you want more force.
- My cousin—who never cooks—made biryani for everyone.
- There was only one thing left to do—apologise.
American style writes the em dash with no spaces, as above. British newspapers often use a spaced en dash instead: "There was one thing left to do – apologise." Both are correct; just stay consistent.
Do not overuse it. One or two in a page is enough, or your writing starts to look breathless. In exam answers, commas and brackets are safer.
How to Type En Dash and Em Dash
| Where | En dash – | Em dash — |
|---|---|---|
| Windows (numeric keypad, Num Lock on) | Alt+0150 | Alt+0151 |
| Mac | Option+Hyphen | Option+Shift+Hyphen |
| Microsoft Word | Ctrl+Num - or 2013 then Alt+X | Ctrl+Alt+Num - or 2014 then Alt+X |
| Google Docs | Insert > Special characters, search "en dash" or "em dash" | |
| Android | On most Android keyboards, long-press the hyphen key on the ?123 page | |
| iPhone | Tap 123, then long-press the hyphen key | |
"Num -" means the minus key on the numeric keypad. The horizontal bar, figure dash and two-em dash have no standard Alt code; copy them from the grid above, or use their Word codes 2015, 2012 and 2E3A followed by Alt+X.
Double Dash Symbol (--)
Before word processors, typists wrote two hyphens -- to stand for an em dash. You will still see this double dash symbol in emails and plain text. Word's AutoFormat As You Type option can change two hyphens into a proper dash for you.
In computer commands, a double dash has its own meaning: it starts a long option, as in --help. Never replace it with an em dash in code, or the command will fail.
Hyphen, En Dash or Em Dash? A Quick Test
- Are you joining words into one idea (sugar-free, mother-in-law)? Use a hyphen.
- Could you read the line as "to" or "versus" (9–5, India–Australia)? Use an en dash.
- Are you breaking the sentence for an aside or a punchline? Use an em dash, or commas if you want it softer.
See all the related marks on our punctuation marks page, and compare with the underscore, which sits low on the line instead of in the middle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between en dash and em dash?
The en dash – is shorter and shows a range or connection, like 10–15. The em dash — is longer and breaks a sentence for extra information or emphasis.
How do I type a long dash symbol on a laptop without a number pad?
Alt codes need a numeric keypad. Without one, use Word's code method (2014 then Alt+X), Insert > Symbol, or copy the dash from this page. Mac laptops can use Option+Shift+Hyphen.
Is a dash the same as a hyphen?
No. A hyphen - is the short mark that joins words and has its own key. Dashes are longer, separate ideas or show ranges, and usually need a shortcut.
Should I put spaces around an em dash?
Both styles exist. American and many Indian publishers use no spaces; many British publishers use a spaced en dash instead. Choose one and use it everywhere in your document.
What is the two-em dash used for?
The two-em dash ⸺ shows that letters or a word are missing on purpose, for example to hide a name in a story. It is rare in everyday writing.