HTTA is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

How to Type the Ampersand Symbol (&) on Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Phone, Chromebook)

The ampersand symbol & is a common character used in names (AT&T), titles (“Tom & Jerry”), and web/tech stuff like HTML and URLs. In Excel formulas, it’s also used to join text together.

Good news: on most English keyboards, & is easy to type with a simple Shift shortcut.

1-Minute Answer (fastest ways)

  • Windows (most keyboards): Shift + 7 → &
  • Mac (most keyboards): Shift + 7 → &
  • Chromebook: Shift + 7 → &
  • iPhone: Tap 123 (or .?123) → tap &
  • Android: Tap ?123 (or 123) → tap &

Beginner tip: Look at your 7 key. On many keyboards, you’ll see & printed above or beside 7.

Ampersand or And Symbol key on the Keyboard with shortcut

Copy and paste &

If you just need it once, copy this:

Click to copy symbols
Tap a button to copy, then paste anywhere.
JS: LOADING…
Core
Related
Tip: If a symbol types something else, your keyboard layout may be set to the wrong country.

1) How to type & on a Windows keyboard

Most Windows keyboards use the same shortcut.

Step-by-step:

  1. Put your cursor where you want the ampersand.
  2. Hold Shift.
  3. Press 7 (on the top number row).
  4. Release → &

Quick check:

  • If pressing 7 alone types 7, that’s correct.
  • If it doesn’t, make sure you’re using the number row above the letters (not the numpad).

2) How to type & on a Mac keyboard

On Mac, it’s usually the same:

  1. Place your cursor.
  2. Hold Shift.
  3. Press 7.
  4. Release → &

3) How to type & on a laptop (when it “won’t work”)

If Shift + 7 isn’t giving you &, try these quick fixes:

A) Make sure you’re using the right 7

  • Use the 7 above the letters.
  • Some laptops have a number pad on the right side; that one may behave differently.

B) Try the other Shift key

Sometimes one Shift key is faulty. Test Left Shift and Right Shift.

C) Check your keyboard language/layout setting (very common)

If your keyboard layout is set to the wrong country, some symbols can move.

  • On Windows: check your keyboard language and switch back to the correct one.
  • On Mac: check Input Sources and select the layout that matches your keyboard.

D) Use the On-Screen Keyboard to find & (Windows)

Open the on-screen keyboard, press Shift, and see which key shows &. This confirms how your computer is mapping the keys.

4) How to type & in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

In Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, the keyboard method is the same:

  • Shift + 7 → &

Extra note for Excel beginners (very common confusion)

In Excel formulas, & joins text.

Example:

  • If A1 is “Tom” and B1 is “Jerry”
  • =A1&" "&B1 becomes: Tom Jerry

So if you see & in Excel, it’s usually a text-joining tool.

5) How to type & in Google Docs and Google Sheets

Same shortcut:

  • Shift + 7 → &

Google Docs/Sheets won’t block it. If it types something else, it’s almost always a keyboard layout setting.

6) How to type & on iPhone

  1. Open the keyboard.
  2. Tap 123 (or .?123).
  3. Tap &.

Tip: On some keyboards, you may need to tap a second symbols page (like #+=) depending on your iPhone keyboard layout.

7) How to type & on Android

Because Android keyboards vary (Gboard, Samsung Keyboard, etc.), the steps are slightly different, but usually:

  1. Tap ?123 (or 123).
  2. Tap &.

If you don’t see it, look for a second symbols page like =< or #+=.

8) How to type & on a Chromebook

Chromebooks usually follow the same shortcut as Windows:

  • Shift + 7 → &

If it doesn’t work, check your Chromebook keyboard language/layout settings and switch back to the correct one.

Optional: Type & using an Alt code (Windows only)

This is not the main method, but it can help if your Shift key is broken.

  • Turn Num Lock ON.
  • Hold Alt
  • Type 38 on the numeric keypad
  • Release Alt → &
Ampersand or And Symbol alt code shortcut on Keyboard

Important:

  • This requires a numeric keypad (many laptops don’t have one).
  • Use this only as a backup.
Ampersand or and symbol shortcuts for both Windows and Mac

“& not working” troubleshooting

1) Shift + 7 types something else

This usually means your keyboard layout doesn’t match your physical keyboard.
Fix: change your keyboard language/layout to the right one.

2) I can’t find & on my keyboard

Look at the 7 key. On many keyboards, & is printed above 7.

3) It works on my phone but not on my laptop

That points to a computer keyboard layout setting, not the symbol itself.

4) My Shift key is acting weird

Accessibility features (like Sticky Keys) can affect how Shift behaves.
Fix: turn off Sticky Keys (or test with the on-screen keyboard).

FAQ (People Also Ask style)

How do I type & on a laptop?

Usually: Shift + 7 (use the number row above letters). If it doesn’t work, check your keyboard layout setting.

Why is Shift + 7 not typing &?

Most often: your keyboard layout is set to the wrong language/country, or you’re pressing the wrong “7” key (like on a numpad).

How do I type & on iPhone or Android?

Tap 123 / ?123, then tap &. Some keyboards hide it on a second symbols page.

What is the HTML code for &?

In HTML you often write &amp; to display an ampersand. You can also use &#38;.

What does & do in Excel?

In Excel formulas, & joins text (concatenates). Example: =A1&B1.

Quick recap

  • Most keyboards: Shift + 7 → &
  • Phone: 123 / ?123 → &
  • If it types the wrong thing: check your keyboard layout
  • In HTML code, you may need &amp;