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.