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 ″.
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
- Click where you want the symbol.
- Type: 2032
- Press Alt + X
Word converts it into: ′
Type the inch symbol (″) in Word
- Click where you want the symbol.
- Type: 2033
- Press Alt + X
Word converts it into: ″
Example (9′5″) in Word
- Type: 9
- Type 2032, press Alt+X
- Type: 5
- 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.
- In Word, click where you want the symbol.
- Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.
- Find prime (′) and double prime (″).
- 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.