Brackets and Braces Symbols: How to Type (), [], {}, and More

Brackets and braces are symbols used to group words, numbers, formulas, code, references, and extra information.

The most common bracket and brace symbols are:

( ) Parentheses / round brackets
[ ] Square brackets
{ } Curly brackets / braces
< > Angle brackets

You will see these symbols in writing, math, programming, spreadsheets, citations, keyboard shortcuts, and many other places.

Examples:

• (example)
• [note]
• {value}
• <tag>
• A1:B10
• =SUM(A1:A5)
• function() { }

In this guide, you’ll learn how to type brackets and braces on Windows, Mac, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Chromebook, iPhone, Android, HTML, and more.

How to Type Brackets and Braces

On most English keyboards, you can type brackets and braces using these keys:

Symbol	Name	Keyboard Shortcut
(	Left parenthesis	Shift + 9
)	Right parenthesis	Shift + 0
[	Left square bracket	[ key
]	Right square bracket	] key
{	Left curly brace	Shift + [
}	Right curly brace	Shift + ]
<	Less-than / left angle bracket	Shift + comma
>	Greater-than / right angle bracket	Shift + period

For most users, the fastest method is to use the normal keyboard shortcuts above.

You can paste them anywhere using:

Windows: Ctrl + V
Mac: Command + V
Phone: Tap and hold, then choose Paste

Brackets and Braces Quick Reference

Symbol	Name	Also Called	Common Use
( )	Parentheses	Round brackets	Extra information, formulas
[ ]	Square brackets	Box brackets	Edits, references, arrays
{ }	Braces	Curly brackets	Programming, sets, grouping
< >	Angle brackets	Less-than/greater-than signs	HTML, math, placeholders
⟨ ⟩	Mathematical angle brackets	Angle brackets	Math notation
【 】	Black lenticular brackets	CJK brackets	East Asian text, decoration
〔 〕	Tortoise shell brackets	CJK brackets	East Asian typography
〈 〉	Angle brackets	Deprecated-style angle brackets	Older technical text

What Are Brackets and Braces?

Brackets and braces are symbols used to enclose or group content.

For example:

( ) can hold extra information.
[ ] can show edits or references.
{ } can group items in math or code.
< > can appear in HTML tags or comparisons.

Although people sometimes use the word “brackets” for all of them, the exact name depends on the shape.

Parentheses / Round Brackets: ( )

Parentheses are the curved brackets:

( )

They are also called round brackets.

Examples:

The meeting is on Friday (not Monday).
Use the formula (A + B) × C.
Call the function print().

How to Type Parentheses

Symbol	Name	Shortcut
(	Left parenthesis	Shift + 9
)	Right parenthesis	Shift + 0

To type the left parenthesis:

1. Hold Shift.
2. Press 9.

To type the right parenthesis:

1. Hold Shift.
2. Press 0.

Square Brackets: [ ]

Square brackets are the box-shaped brackets:

[ ]

Examples:

The teacher said, “He [the student] arrived early.”
Use [1] for the first reference.
In coding: array[0]

How to Type Square Brackets

On most English keyboards, square brackets have their own keys.

Symbol	Name	Shortcut
[	Left square bracket	[ key
]	Right square bracket	] key

These keys are usually near the Enter key or to the right of the P key.

To type square brackets:

1. Place your cursor where you want the bracket.
2. Press the [ key for the left bracket.
3. Press the ] key for the right bracket.

Curly Brackets / Braces: { }

Curly brackets are these symbols:

{ }

They are also called braces or curly braces.

Examples:

In code:

function test() { }

In math:

{1, 2, 3, 4}

In templates:

{name}

How to Type Curly Braces

Curly braces are typed using the same keys as square brackets, but with Shift.

Symbol	Name	Shortcut
{	Left curly brace	Shift + [
}	Right curly brace	Shift + ]

To type the left curly brace:

1. Hold Shift.
2. Press [.

To type the right curly brace:

1. Hold Shift.
2. Press ].

Angle Brackets: < >

Angle brackets are these symbols:

< >

They are also the less-than and greater-than signs.

Examples:

In math:

5 < 10
10 > 5

In HTML:

<p>Text</p>

As placeholders:

<your name>

How to Type Angle Brackets

Symbol	Name	Shortcut
<	Left angle bracket / less-than sign	Shift + comma
>	Right angle bracket / greater-than sign	Shift + period

To type <:

1. Hold Shift.
2. Press the comma key.

To type >:

1. Hold Shift.
2. Press the period/full stop key.

Method 1: Type Brackets and Braces on Windows

On most Windows keyboards, use these shortcuts:

Symbol	Windows Shortcut
(	Shift + 9
)	Shift + 0
[	[ key
]	] key
{	Shift + [
}	Shift + ]
<	Shift + comma
>	Shift + period

These work in most Windows apps.

Method 2: Type Brackets and Braces on Mac

On most Mac keyboards, the shortcuts are similar:

Symbol	Mac Shortcut
(	Shift + 9
)	Shift + 0
[	[ key
]	] key
{	Shift + [
}	Shift + ]
<	Shift + comma
>	Shift + period

If your Mac keyboard layout is different, the bracket keys may be in a different place.

You can also use Character Viewer on Mac if you cannot find a symbol.

To open Character Viewer:

1. Click where you want the symbol.
2. Press Control + Command + Space.
3. Search for the bracket name, such as left bracket, brace, or parenthesis.
4. Double-click the symbol to insert it.

Method 3: Type Brackets and Braces in Microsoft Word

In Microsoft Word, the normal keyboard shortcuts work.

Common Word Shortcuts

Symbol	Shortcut
(	Shift + 9
)	Shift + 0
[	[ key
]	] key
{	Shift + [
}	Shift + ]
<	Shift + comma
>	Shift + period

Insert Brackets Using Symbol Menu in Word

You can also insert brackets and braces through the Symbol menu.

To do this:

1. Click where you want the symbol.
2. Go to the Insert tab.
3. Click Symbol.
4. Click More Symbols.
5. Choose a normal font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
6. Find the bracket or brace symbol you need.
7. Click Insert.
8. Click Close.

This method is slower, but it is useful for special bracket symbols that are not easy to type from the keyboard.

Method 4: Type Brackets and Braces in Excel

In Excel, brackets and braces have special uses.

You can type the basic symbols with the normal keyboard shortcuts:

Symbol	Shortcut
(	Shift + 9
)	Shift + 0
[	[ key
]	] key
{	Shift + [
}	Shift + ]
<	Shift + comma
>	Shift + period

Parentheses in Excel

Parentheses are common in formulas.

Example:

=SUM(A1:A5)

They are also used to group calculations.

Example:

*=(A1+B1)C1

Square Brackets in Excel

Square brackets may appear in formulas that refer to external workbooks or structured table references.

Example:

[Book1.xlsx]Sheet1!A1

Curly Braces in Excel

Curly braces may appear around array formulas.

Example:

{=SUM(A1:A5*B1:B5)}

In older versions of Excel, you might see curly braces after entering an array formula with Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

Important: In many cases, you should not type the curly braces manually in Excel formulas. Excel may add them automatically for certain array formulas.

Angle Brackets in Excel

Angle brackets are used as comparison operators.

Examples:

=A1<10
=A1>10
=A1<>10

In Excel, <> means “not equal to.”

Method 5: Type Brackets and Braces in PowerPoint

In PowerPoint, use the same keyboard shortcuts:

Symbol	Shortcut
(	Shift + 9
)	Shift + 0
[	[ key
]	] key
{	Shift + [
}	Shift + ]
<	Shift + comma
>	Shift + period

You can use brackets in:

Slide titles
Labels
Math examples
Social media examples
Programming examples
Presentation notes

Examples:

Step 1 (Introduction)
[Important note]
{Placeholder Text}
<Website URL>

Method 6: Type Brackets and Braces in Google Docs

In Google Docs, the normal keyboard shortcuts work.

Symbol	Shortcut
(	Shift + 9
)	Shift + 0
[	[ key
]	] key
{	Shift + [
}	Shift + ]
<	Shift + comma
>	Shift + period

You can also use the Google Docs special characters tool.

To insert special brackets:

1. Go to Insert.
2. Click Special characters.
3. Search for the symbol name, such as bracket, brace, or parenthesis.
4. Click the symbol you want.

This is useful for special brackets like:

⟨ ⟩
【 】
〔 〕

Method 7: Type Brackets and Braces in Google Sheets

In Google Sheets, use the normal keyboard shortcuts:

Symbol	Shortcut
(	Shift + 9
)	Shift + 0
[	[ key
]	] key
{	Shift + [
}	Shift + ]
<	Shift + comma
>	Shift + period

Like Excel, Google Sheets uses parentheses in formulas and angle brackets in comparisons.

Examples:

=SUM(A1:A10)
=IF(A1>10,"Yes","No")
=A1<>B1

Method 8: Type Brackets and Braces on Chromebook

On most Chromebooks, the shortcuts are the same:

Symbol	Chromebook Shortcut
(	Shift + 9
)	Shift + 0
[	[ key
]	] key
{	Shift + [
}	Shift + ]
<	Shift + comma
>	Shift + period

If your keyboard layout is different, use the symbols printed on your keyboard or copy and paste from this page.

Method 9: Type Brackets and Braces on iPhone and iPad

To type brackets and braces on iPhone or iPad:

1. Tap where you want to type.
2. Tap the 123 key.
3. Look for the bracket symbols.
4. Tap the symbol you want.

For more symbols:

1. Tap 123.
2. Tap #+=.
3. Choose from symbols like [ ] { } < >.

The exact layout may vary slightly depending on your iOS keyboard and language settings.

Method 10: Type Brackets and Braces on Android

To type brackets and braces on Android:

1. Tap where you want to type.
2. Tap ?123 or the numbers/symbols key.
3. Look for the bracket symbols.
4. If you do not see them, tap the extra symbols key, often shown as =< or #+=.
5. Tap the bracket or brace you need.

On many Android keyboards, you can find:

( ) [ ] { } < >

inside the symbols section.

Method 11: Type Brackets and Braces Using Alt Codes on Windows

You can also type brackets and braces using Windows Alt codes.

This is useful if a key is not working or you are using a different keyboard layout.

To use an Alt code:

1. Turn on Num Lock.
2. Hold down Alt.
3. Type the code on the numeric keypad.
4. Release Alt.

Alt Codes for Brackets and Braces

Symbol	Name	Alt Code
(	Left parenthesis	Alt + 40
)	Right parenthesis	Alt + 41
[	Left square bracket	Alt + 91
]	Right square bracket	Alt + 93
{	Left curly brace	Alt + 123
}	Right curly brace	Alt + 125
<	Less-than sign	Alt + 60
>	Greater-than sign	Alt + 62

Important: Alt codes usually require a numeric keypad. The number row above the letters may not work.

Method 12: Type Brackets and Braces Using Unicode in Word

Microsoft Word lets you type many symbols using Unicode.

To use Unicode in Word:

1. Type the Unicode value.
2. Press Alt + X.

Unicode Codes for Common Brackets and Braces

Symbol	Name	Unicode
(	Left parenthesis	U+0028
)	Right parenthesis	U+0029
[	Left square bracket	U+005B
]	Right square bracket	U+005D
{	Left curly brace	U+007B
}	Right curly brace	U+007D
<	Less-than sign	U+003C
>	Greater-than sign	U+003E

Examples:

Type 0028, then press Alt + X to get: (

Type 007B, then press Alt + X to get: {

Method 13: Type Brackets and Braces in HTML

In HTML, some bracket symbols can be typed directly, but angle brackets are special because they are used to create HTML tags.

HTML Codes for Brackets and Braces

Symbol	Name	HTML Code
(	Left parenthesis	(
)	Right parenthesis	)
[	Left square bracket	[
]	Right square bracket	]
{	Left curly brace	{
}	Right curly brace	}
<	Less-than sign	&lt; or &#60;
>	Greater-than sign	&gt; or &#62;

Important Note About < and > in HTML

In HTML, < and > are used for tags.

Example:

<p>This is a paragraph.</p>

If you want to display the symbols themselves on a webpage, use:

< for <

> for >

Example:

<strong>

This displays as:

<strong>

instead of being treated as an HTML tag.

Method 14: Type Brackets and Braces in CSS

In CSS, curly braces are used to hold style rules.

Example:

body {
  color: black;
}

The curly braces contain the CSS declarations.

CSS also uses parentheses in functions.

Example:

background: rgb(255, 255, 255);

CSS may also use square brackets in attribute selectors.

Example:

input[type="text"] {
  border: 1px solid gray;
}

To type these symbols, use the normal keyboard shortcuts:

{ = Shift + [
} = Shift + ]
( = Shift + 9
) = Shift + 0
[ = [ key
] = ] key

Method 15: Type Brackets and Braces in JavaScript

JavaScript uses brackets and braces heavily.

Examples:

Parentheses in JavaScript

Used in functions and conditions:

alert("Hello");

if (age > 18) {
  console.log("Adult");
}

Curly Braces in JavaScript

Used for functions, objects, and code blocks:

const person = {
  name: "John",
  age: 30
};

Square Brackets in JavaScript

Used for arrays and indexes:

const colors = ["red", "blue", "green"];
console.log(colors[0]);

Angle Brackets in JavaScript

Angle brackets are not as common in plain JavaScript, but you may see them in HTML strings, JSX, or comparisons.

Example:

if (score < 100) {
  console.log("Keep going");
}

Method 16: Type Brackets and Braces in Python

Python uses parentheses, square brackets, and curly braces.

Parentheses in Python

Used in function calls:

print("Hello")

Square Brackets in Python

Used for lists and indexes:

items = ["pen", "book", "bag"]
print(items[0])

Curly Braces in Python

Used for dictionaries and sets:

person = {
    "name": "John",
    "age": 30
}

numbers = {1, 2, 3}

Angle Brackets in Python

Angle brackets are often used as comparison symbols:

if age < 18:
    print("Minor")

Method 17: Type Special Bracket Symbols

Apart from the common keyboard brackets, there are many special bracket symbols.

Here are some useful ones:

Symbol Pair	Name
⟨ ⟩	Mathematical angle brackets
〈 〉	Angle brackets
⟦ ⟧	White square brackets
⟪ ⟫	Double angle brackets
❨ ❩	Medium flattened parentheses
❪ ❫	Medium flattened parentheses ornament
❬ ❭	Medium angle bracket ornament
❮ ❯	Heavy angle quotation mark ornament
❰ ❱	Heavy angle bracket ornament
【 】	Black lenticular brackets
〖 〗	White lenticular brackets
〔 〕	Tortoise shell brackets
〘 〙	White tortoise shell brackets
〚 〛	White square brackets

The easiest way to use these special brackets is to copy and paste them or use the Insert Symbol / Special Characters tool in your app.

Parentheses vs Brackets vs Braces: What Is the Difference?

The names can be confusing because different countries use different terms.

Here is the simple difference:

Symbol	Common American Name	Common British Name
( )	Parentheses	Round brackets
[ ]	Brackets / square brackets	Square brackets
{ }	Braces / curly braces	Curly brackets
< >	Angle brackets / less-than and greater-than signs	Angle brackets

In this guide:

Parentheses means ( )
Square brackets means [ ]
Braces or curly braces means { }
Angle brackets means < >

Common Uses of Brackets and Braces

In Normal Writing

Parentheses are used for extra information.

Example:

The event is on Friday (weather permitting).

Square brackets are often used for edits, notes, or explanations inside quotes.

Example:

“He [the manager] approved the request.”

In Math

Parentheses, brackets, and braces are used for grouping.

Example:

{[(2 + 3) × 4] + 5}

They help show which calculation should happen first.

In Programming

Programming languages use brackets and braces in different ways.

Examples:

function() { }
array[0]
{ key: value }

In Excel and Google Sheets

Parentheses are used in formulas:

=SUM(A1:A10)

Angle brackets are used in comparisons:

=A1<>B1

Curly braces may appear in array formulas.

In HTML

Angle brackets are used to write tags:

<h1>Title</h1>

In Citations and References

Square brackets are often used for references:

[1]
[2]
[see note]

Common Mistakes with Brackets and Braces

Mistake 1: Forgetting to Close the Bracket

Wrong:

(example

Correct:

(example)

Every opening bracket should usually have a matching closing bracket.

Mistake 2: Mixing Bracket Types Incorrectly

Wrong:

(example]

Correct:

(example)

or:

[example]

Mistake 3: Using Angle Brackets Instead of Parentheses

Wrong for normal writing:

<important note>

Better:

(important note)

Angle brackets are more common in coding, placeholders, and technical writing.

Mistake 4: Typing Curly Braces Manually in Excel Array Formulas

In older Excel array formulas, Excel may add curly braces automatically.

If you type the braces manually, the formula may not work as expected.

Mistake 5: Using < and > Directly in HTML Text

If you want to display < and > on a webpage, use:

<

and

>

Otherwise, the browser may treat them as HTML tags.

Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Type Brackets or Braces?

1. My Bracket Keys Type Different Symbols

Your keyboard layout may be different.

Check your language/keyboard settings. For example, US, UK, French, German, and other layouts may place symbols in different positions.

2. Curly Braces Are Not Working

To type curly braces, you usually need Shift.

Use:

Shift + [ for {

Shift + ] for }

3. I Cannot Find Brackets on My Phone

Open the symbols keyboard.

On iPhone:

Tap 123, then tap #+= if needed.

On Android:

Tap ?123, then tap the extra symbols key if needed.

4. Alt Codes Are Not Working

Make sure:

Num Lock is on.
You are using the numeric keypad.
You are holding Alt while typing the code.
You release Alt after typing the full code.

5. The Symbol Looks Different

Some symbols may look different depending on the font. This is normal.

For example, braces in one font may look more curved than in another font.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brackets and Braces

What are the bracket symbols?

The most common bracket symbols are:

( )
[ ]
{ }
< >

How do I type parentheses on keyboard?

Use:

Shift + 9 for (

Shift + 0 for )

How do I type square brackets on keyboard?

Press the square bracket keys:

[

and

]

They are usually near the Enter key or to the right of the P key.

How do I type curly braces on keyboard?

Use:

Shift + [ for {

Shift + ] for }

How do I type angle brackets on keyboard?

Use:

Shift + comma for <

Shift + period for >

What is the difference between brackets and braces?

In common usage:

[ ] are square brackets.
{ } are braces or curly brackets.

However, some people use “brackets” as a general word for many bracket-like symbols.

What are parentheses?

Parentheses are the curved brackets:

( )

They are often used to add extra information or group parts of a formula.

What are braces?

Braces are the curly bracket symbols:

{ }

They are common in programming, math sets, and templates.

What are square brackets used for?

Square brackets are often used for notes, references, edits inside quotes, arrays in programming, and special formula references.

What are curly braces used for?

Curly braces are used in programming, math sets, array formulas, templates, and grouped values.

What are angle brackets used for?

Angle brackets are used in HTML, math comparisons, placeholders, and technical writing.

What is the Alt code for curly braces?

The Alt codes are:

{ = Alt + 123
} = Alt + 125

What is the Alt code for square brackets?

The Alt codes are:

[ = Alt + 91
] = Alt + 93

What is the Alt code for parentheses?

The Alt codes are:

( = Alt + 40
) = Alt + 41

What is the Alt code for angle brackets?

The Alt codes are:

< = Alt + 60
> = Alt + 62

How do I type brackets in Word?

Use the keyboard shortcuts:

Shift + 9 for (
Shift + 0 for )
[ key for [
] key for ]
Shift + [ for {
Shift + ] for }

You can also use Insert > Symbol.

How do I type braces on Mac?

On most Mac keyboards:

{ = Shift + [
} = Shift + ]

If that does not work, check your keyboard layout or use Character Viewer.

Conclusion

The most common brackets and braces are:

( ) Parentheses
[ ] Square brackets
{ } Curly braces
< > Angle brackets

The fastest way to type them is with your keyboard:

( = Shift + 9
) = Shift + 0
[ = [ key
] = ] key
{ = Shift + [
} = Shift + ]
< = Shift + comma
> = Shift + period

For most users, these shortcuts are enough. But if your keyboard layout is different, you can also use Alt codes, Unicode in Word, Insert Symbol, Google Docs Special Characters, or copy and paste the symbols from this guide.