Element Of Symbol (∈) on Keyboard — How to Type It in Word
The Element Of symbol ∈ is used in math and logic to mean “is an element of” or “belongs to a set.” In plain English, it’s a way to say something is “in” a group.
You’ll see ∈ in set notation, textbooks, homework, exams, spreadsheets, and technical writing.
This guide shows the fastest ways first, then simple step-by-step methods for Word, Windows, Mac, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Docs.
1-Minute Answer (Fastest Ways)
- Copy/paste:
- Word (Windows, Word-only): Hold Alt and type 8712 on the numeric keypad → releases as ∈
- Note: Numeric keypad required (and works only in Microsoft Word)
- Word / Excel / PowerPoint (reliable): Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → Font: Segoe UI Symbol → Character code: 2208 → Insert
- Mac (reliable): Character Viewer → Control + Command + Space → search element of → insert
- Google Docs (safe): Insert → Special characters → search element of
Quick Mini-Table (Fast Reference)
| Symbol | Name | Best on Windows (any app) | Best on Mac |
|---|---|---|---|
| ∈ | Element of | Copy/paste ∈ or use Character Map | Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space), search “element of” |
| ∉ | Not an element of | Copy/paste ∉ | Copy/paste ∉ |
| ∋ | Contains as member | Copy/paste ∋ | Copy/paste ∋ |
| ∊ | Small element of | Copy/paste ∊ | Copy/paste ∊ |
Step-by-Step: How to Type ∈ by Platform/App
A) Microsoft Word (Windows)
Method 1: Word Alt code (fastest)
- Click where you want the ∈ symbol in Word.
- Turn Num Lock ON.
- Hold the Alt key.
- On the numeric keypad, type 8712.
- Release Alt → ∈ appears.