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Slash Symbol: Forward Slash /, Backslash \ and Pipe |

Slash Symbol Copy and Paste (/ \ |)

Forward slash

Unicode U+002F · HTML / · Alt code Alt+47

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)
SymbolNameUnicodeHTMLWindows Alt codeMacMS Word
/Forward slashU+002F/Alt+47-002F then Alt+X
\BackslashU+005C\Alt+92-005C then Alt+X
⁄Fraction slashU+2044⁄--2044 then Alt+X
∕Division slashU+2215∕--2215 then Alt+X
/Fullwidth slashU+FF0F/--FF0F then Alt+X
\Fullwidth backslashU+FF3C\--FF3C then Alt+X
|Pipe (vertical bar)U+007C|Alt+124-007C then Alt+X
⧸Big slashU+29F8⧸--29F8 then Alt+X
⧹Big backslashU+29F9⧹--29F9 then Alt+X

The slash symbol / is a slanting line that leans to the right. It is also called the forward slash, oblique, stroke or solidus, and it is used in dates (02/10/2026), fractions (3/4), "and/or" choices and web addresses.

Tap the copy box above to copy /, or pick the backslash \, the pipe | or the fraction slash ⁄ from the grid. The guide below explains each one and where to find it on your keyboard.

Forward Slash Symbol: Names and Meaning

The forward slash symbol has many names. In Indian schools it is often called the oblique symbol (some people spell it "oblic symbol"). Printers call it a stroke, and the Unicode name is solidus. Some people also call it a front slash symbol, and a few search for it as "/symbol" with no space. All these names mean the same character: /. It is one of the keyboard punctuation marks.

UseExampleRead as
Dates (Indian order DD/MM/YYYY)26/01/195026 January 1950
Fractions and division3/4, 100/5 = 20three by four
"Per"60 km/h, ₹300/kgper
Choicesand/or, Yes/No, Mr/Msor
Short formsS/o Ramesh, c/o, A/c no.son of, care of, account
Web addresses and foldershttps://example.com/about/slash
Line breaks in quoted poemsRoses are red / violets are blue(new line)

In formal essays, try not to use "and/or" or "he/she"; write the words out.

Backslash Symbol (\): What It Is For

The backslash symbol \ leans the other way, to the left. It is also called the back slash symbol, backward slash symbol or reverse solidus. It is almost never used in normal writing. Its homes are computers:

  • Windows file paths: C:\Users\Anil\Documents
  • Network paths: \\office-pc\shared
  • Code escapes: \n means new line in many programming languages.
  • Maths: set difference, as in A \ B.

Web addresses always use the forward slash. If you type a backslash in a website link, it may not open.

Pipe Symbol and Vertical Bar Symbol (|)

The pipe symbol | is a straight vertical line. It is also called the vertical bar symbol or vertical line symbol. Uses include:

  • Separating items in titles and menus: Home | About | Contact
  • Absolute value in maths: |−7| = 7
  • Command line "pipes" that send the result of one command into another
  • "Or" in many programming languages (often written ||)

Do not confuse it with the capital letter I, the small letter l or the number 1. It is also different from the hyphen and slash, even though all three are simple lines.

Slash Symbol in Keyboard: Where to Find /, \ and |

SymbolIndian / US keyboardAlt codeWord code
/The / key left of right Shift (shared with ?), or the / on the number padAlt+47002F then Alt+X
\The \ key, usually above Enter (on some keyboards next to left Shift)Alt+92005C then Alt+X
|Shift+\Alt+124007C then Alt+X

The same keys work on a Mac. For the oblique symbol in keyboard terms, just remember: it is the key with the question mark on it.

On phones: on most Android keyboards, / is on the ?123 page, and \ and | are on the =\< page. On iPhone, / is on the 123 page, and \ and | are on the #+= page.

Other Slash Characters and the Slashed Zero

SymbolNameUse
⁄Fraction slashBuilds neat fractions like 1⁄2 in good fonts
∕Division slashDivision in maths text
/ \Fullwidth slash and backslashChinese and Japanese text
⧸ ⧹Big solidus and big reverse solidusMaths formulas

A slashed zero symbol is a 0 with a line through it, used on some screens and number plates so 0 is not confused with the letter O. It is a font style, not a separate keyboard character. Do not mix it up with the diameter symbol ⌀ or the empty-set sign. For division signs, see the division symbol page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the / symbol called?

The / symbol is called a slash or forward slash. It is also known as an oblique, a stroke or a solidus. In India, many people read it as "by" in fractions (3/4) and as "slash" in web links.

What is the difference between slash and backslash?

The forward slash / leans right and is used in dates, fractions and web links. The backslash \ leans left and is mainly used in Windows file paths and code.

Where is the pipe symbol in keyboard layouts?

On most Indian and US keyboards, press Shift and the backslash key (usually above Enter). You can also hold Alt and type 124 on the number pad.

What is a stroke symbol?

Stroke is the British printing name for the forward slash /. Some offices still read a reference number like 12/B aloud as "12 stroke B".

Why does my keyboard type a different character instead of \?

Some keyboard layouts, including UK layouts, place the backslash key next to the left Shift. If the wrong sign appears, check your keyboard language in Settings and set it to US or English (India).

Related symbols

Updated 6 October 2026. All symbols are standard Unicode characters checked against the Unicode database.