Forward Slash (/) on Keyboard: How to Type It on Windows, Mac, Phone, and in Word/Excel

The forward slash / is one of the most-used symbols in everyday typing. You’ll see it in URLs (web addresses), dates (1/21/2026), fractions (1/2), file paths (especially on Mac/Linux), and coding.

It’s also one of the most confusing symbols because people often mix it up with backslash (\), the division sign (÷), or the vertical bar (|).

This guide shows the fastest ways to type / everywhere, then explains the important differences so you always use the right one.

Table of Contents

1-Minute Answer (fastest ways)

Windows + Mac keyboards (where the / key is)

On most keyboards, press the / key (usually near the right Shift key).
On most layouts, Shift + / types a question mark ?.

forward slash key on the Mac keyboard — Forward slash key on Mac

forward slash key on the windows keyboard — Forward slash key on Windows

Laptop tips (different layouts)

Many laptops print two symbols on one key: ? and /.
If you see ? on the key, you’ll usually get:
- / by pressing the key normally
- ? by pressing Shift + that key

Word / Excel / PowerPoint

Just type / using your keyboard (it works normally).
In Excel formulas, division uses / (example: =10/2).

Google Docs / Google Sheets

Just type / normally.
In Google Sheets formulas, division also uses / (example: =10/2).

iPhone / Android

Switch to numbers/symbols:
- Tap ?123 (or 123) then tap /.

Chromebook (short)

Type / normally on the keyboard.
If you can’t find it, you can also use ChromeOS On-screen keyboard (quick steps below).

Quick Reference (don’t mix these up)

Symbol	Name	Where it’s used	How to type (Windows / Mac)
/	Forward slash (solidus)	URLs, dates, fractions, Mac/Linux paths, coding, division in Excel formulas	Press the / key (usually near Right Shift)
\	Backslash	Windows file paths, some coding/escaping	Usually the key near Backspace/Enter (varies by layout)