Plus minus sign

The plus minus sign (±) is a special sign used to indicate that a number can be either positive or negative. This sign is especially useful in mathematical calculations and statistics, where it indicates that a value can vary within a certain range.

In this article, we will discuss how to insert the plus minus sign on various operating systems and applications, including Windows 10 and 11, Word and Excel, Mac OSX and Linux.

Special characters

The plus minus sign is one of many special characters available on most operating systems and programs. Other common special characters include the percent sign (%), the degree sign (°) and the euro sign (€).

Insert characters via start menu for Windows 10 and Windows 11

If you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, you can insert the plus minus sign through the start menu. Follow these steps:

1. Click the Windows logo in the lower left corner of your screen.
2. Type “Sign Map” in the search bar and press Enter.
3. Look for the plus minus sign and click on it to select it.
4. Click the “Copy” button to copy the sign to the clipboard.
5. Paste the character where you need it.

Insert characters via a key combination

Another way to insert the plus minus sign is via a key combination. This works on most operating systems and programs. The key combination for the plus minus sign is:

• Windows: Alt + 0177
• Mac: Option + Shift + = (on US QWERTY keyboards)

Note: These key combinations may not work on all keyboards. In that case, you can insert the characters using the method described below.

Insert characters in Word and Excel

If you want to insert the plus minus sign in Word or Excel, you can do it through the ribbon menu or through a key combination. Here are the steps for both methods:

Through the ribbon menu

1. Click the “Insert” tab on the ribbon menu.
2. Click the “Symbol” button in the “Symbol” group.
3. Look for the plus minus sign and click on it to select it.
4. Click “Insert” to insert the character.

Through a key combination

1. Type “+” where you want to insert the plus minus sign.
2. Hold down the Alt key and type 0177 on the numeric keypad.
3. Release the Alt key to insert the character.

Adding characters via Mac OSX

If you are using a Mac, you can insert the plus minus sign through the Special Characters menu. Follow these steps:

1. Open the application in which you want to insert the plus minus sign, such as Pages or Numbers.
2. Go to the “Edit” menu and select “Special Characters” (or use the key combination Cmd + Ctrl + spacebar).
3. Look for the plus minus sign and double-click it to select it.
4. Click “Insert” to insert the character.

Adding characters via Linux

If you are using Linux, there are several ways to insert the plus minus sign, depending on the program you are using. Here are some common methods:

• Use the key combination Alt + Shift + =.
• Use the “Text Editor” program and select the plus minus sign from the “Insert” menu.
• Type “charmap” into the terminal to open the text editor program, search for the plus minus sign and copy it to the clipboard.