How to Type the AE Symbol (Æ and æ) on Keyboard
Æ (uppercase) and æ (lowercase) are AE ligature letters — a single character that combines A + E. It’s also called the AE Symbol.
You’ll see them in:
- Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic (Æ/æ is a real letter)
- Names and place names
- Older spellings like encyclopædia (today you’ll often see “encyclopedia”)
Quick note: You can always type AE/ae if you’re stuck, but Æ/æ is the correct character when it’s required.
1-Minute Answer (fastest ways)
Windows (Alt code)
- Æ: Hold Alt and type 0198 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
- æ: Hold Alt and type 0230 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
(Alt codes need a number pad — the top row numbers usually won’t work.)
Mac (fast)
- Best “works on any Mac” method: press Control + Command + Space to open Character Viewer, then search ae and click Æ or æ.
Word (very fast)
- Word Alt+X (Windows):
- Type 00C6 then press Alt + X → Æ
- Type 00E6 then press Alt + X → æ
iPhone / Android
- Press and hold a (if available), then choose æ.
- If you don’t see it: use copy/paste (see the copy box below), or add a Danish/Norwegian/Icelandic keyboard.
Google Docs
- Insert → Special characters, then search ae, AElig, or ligature.