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How to Type the Feet (′) and Inch (″) Symbols on Keyboard (Word, Windows, Mac)

When writing measurements, the correct symbols are:

  • Feet symbol (prime): ′
  • Inch symbol (double prime): ″

Example: 9′5″ means 9 feet, 5 inches.

Important: many people type measurements using the keyboard keys for apostrophe (') and double quotes ("). That works in casual writing, but they are not the same characters as the real feet/inch symbols used in proper typography and publishing.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to type both the real feet/inch symbols (′ ″) and the common alternatives (‘ “) on:

  • Windows
  • Mac
  • Microsoft Word (plus quick notes for Excel/PowerPoint/Google Docs)
  • Copy/paste (fastest for most people)

Feet & Inch Symbols Quick Reference

Copy the real symbols (recommended)

Copy what you need below, then paste (Ctrl+V on Windows, Command+V on Mac):

  • Feet (prime): ′
  • Inches (double prime): ″
  • Example: 8′4″

Common keyboard alternatives (not the same, but often used)

  • Apostrophe: ‘
  • Straight double quote: “
  • Curly apostrophe: ’
  • Curly quotes: “ ”

Tip: If you’re writing for school, publishing, construction specs, or anything “formal”, use ′ and ″.

📏 Feet & Inch Symbols — Click to Copy

Click any symbol to copy it. Then paste with Ctrl+V (Windows) or ⌘+V (Mac).

Tip: If a symbol shows as a blank box ▢, switch your font (in Word/Office try Segoe UI Symbol).

Method 1: The fastest way in Word (works great) — Alt+X

This is the cleanest method inside Microsoft Word.

Type the feet symbol (′) in Word

  1. Click where you want the symbol.
  2. Type: 2032
  3. Press Alt + X

Word converts it into: ′

Type the inch symbol (″) in Word

  1. Click where you want the symbol.
  2. Type: 2033
  3. Press Alt + X

Word converts it into: ″

Example (9′5″) in Word

  1. Type: 9
  2. Type 2032, press Alt+X
  3. Type: 5
  4. Type 2033, press Alt+X

You’ll get: 9′5″

Method 2: Use Insert Symbol in Word (Windows & Mac)

If you don’t want codes, you can insert the symbols from Word’s symbol library.

  1. In Word, click where you want the symbol.
  2. Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.Go to Symbols>More Symbols
  3. Find prime (′) and double prime (″).
  4. Click Insert.

Tip: If you can’t find them quickly, use the Character Code box (if your Word shows it), or just use the copy/paste section above.

Method 3: Copy and paste (works anywhere)

This is the easiest method for most people, especially outside Word.

  • Feet: ′
  • Inches: ″

Copy the one you want, then paste it into:

  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Google Docs
  • Emails
  • Websites

Method 4: Windows Character Map (good fallback)

If you’re on Windows and want to insert the exact symbol:

  1. Click Start and search Character Map.
  2. Open Character Map.search for character map on windows
  3. Search for prime (or scroll through).
  4. Select ′ or ″, click Select → Copy.
  5. Paste where you need it.

Method 5: Mac Character Viewer (Emoji & Symbols)

On a Mac, the most reliable method is the built-in character viewer.

  1. Click where you want the symbol.
  2. Press Control + Command + Space (opens Character Viewer).
  3. Search: prime or double prime
  4. Click ′ or ″ to insert.

Google Docs (quick method)

In Google Docs:

  1. Go to Insert → Special characters
  2. Search for prime or double prime
  3. Click the symbol to insert it.

FAQs (Common problems)

Are the feet/inch symbols the same as quotes and apostrophes?

No. The correct measurement symbols are prime (′) and double prime (″). Regular quotes/apostrophes can look similar, but they are different characters, and typography-focused readers may notice.

Why does Word change my quotes into curly ones?

Word often auto-formats straight quotes into smart (curly) quotes, like “ ” and ’. Those are still quotes, not the same as the measurement symbols ′ ″.

If you want the real measurement symbols in Word, use Alt+X:

  • 2032 + Alt+X → ′
  • 2033 + Alt+X → ″

What should I use for measurements: 6’2″ or 6′2″?

  • Casual writing: 6’2″ is common and acceptable.
  • Formal/typography: 6′2″ is the correct style.

I typed an Alt code and got a curly quote instead. Why?

Some Alt codes output smart quotes (curly quotes), not prime/double-prime measurement marks — which is exactly why the Word Alt+X method (2032/2033) is the most reliable for the real symbols.

Conclusion

If you want the proper feet and inch symbols, use:

  • ′ for feet
  • ″ for inches

Fastest in Word:

  • 2032 + Alt+X → ′
  • 2033 + Alt+X → ″

And for anywhere else, copy/paste from the quick reference (or use your click-to-copy widget once we add it).