HTTA is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

How to Type the Micro Symbol (µ) on Keyboard

The micro symbol is this character: µ

It is used as a metric prefix meaning one-millionth. You will often see it in science, medicine, engineering, electronics, and measurement units.

Examples:

µm = micrometer
µg = microgram
µL = microliter
µs = microsecond
µF = microfarad

In this guide, you’ll learn how to type the micro symbol on Windows, Mac, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Chromebook, iPhone, Android, HTML, and more.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: How to Type the Micro Symbol

The easiest way to type the micro symbol is to copy it from here:

Copy Micro Symbol

Click the micro symbol, Greek mu, or any common micro unit below to copy it.

Showing 0 of 0
Tip: For normal metric units like µm, µg, and µL, use the micro sign µ. On Windows, use Alt + 0181. On Mac, use Option + M.

On Windows, you can also use the Alt code:

Alt + 0181

To type it:

  1. Turn on Num Lock.
  2. Hold down Alt.
  3. Type 0181 on the numeric keypad.
  4. Release Alt.

You should get: µ

On Mac, you can type the micro sign with:

Option + M

Micro Symbol Quick Reference

SymbolNameWindows Alt CodeMac ShortcutUnicodeHTML Code
µMicro signAlt + 0181Option + MU+00B5µ or µ
μGreek small letter muAlt + 956Usually from Character ViewerU+03BCμ or μ

Copy and Paste Micro

Copy the symbol below:

µ

You can paste it into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Sheets, email, websites, and most other apps.

Use:

Windows: Ctrl + V
Mac: Command + V
Phone: Tap and hold, then choose Paste

Copy and paste is often the easiest method if you only need the symbol once.

Micro Sign vs Greek Letter Mu: What Is the Difference?

This is important because there are two characters that look almost the same:

µ = micro sign
μ = Greek lowercase mu

They look very similar, but they are not exactly the same Unicode character.

CharacterNameUnicodeCommon Use
µMicro signU+00B5Metric prefix, such as µm, µg, µL
μGreek small letter muU+03BCGreek letter, math, physics, statistics

For normal units like µm, µg, µL, and µs, the correct symbol is usually the micro sign:

µ

However, in many fonts and apps, the Greek letter μ may look almost identical. Some scientific and technical systems may also accept or display either one.

For a beginner, the safest choice for everyday typing is:

µ

Common Uses of theSymbol

The micro sign means “one-millionth” in the metric system.

Here are common examples:

UnitMeaning
µmmicrometer
µgmicrogram
µLmicroliter
µsmicrosecond
µAmicroampere
µVmicrovolt
µWmicrowatt
µFmicrofarad
µHmicrohenry
µmolmicromole

Examples in sentences:

The wire is 50 µm thick.
The medicine contains 200 µg of the active ingredient.
The sample volume was 10 µL.
The delay was measured in µs.
The capacitor is rated at 47 µF.

Method 1: Type the Micro Symbol on Windows Using Alt Code

The Windows Alt code for the micro symbol is:

Alt + 0181

To type the micro symbol on Windows:

  1. Click where you want to insert the symbol.
  2. Make sure Num Lock is turned on.
  3. Hold down the Alt key.
  4. Type 0181 using the numeric keypad.
  5. Release the Alt key.

You should get: µ

Important: You must use the numeric keypad for this method. The number row above the letters may not work.

Micro Symbol Alt Code Table

SymbolNameAlt Code
µMicro signAlt + 0181
μGreek small letter muAlt + 956

For normal metric units, use:

Alt + 0181

Method 2: Type the Micro Symbol on Mac

On Mac, the micro symbol shortcut is:

Option + M

To type the micro symbol on Mac:

  1. Click where you want the symbol.
  2. Hold down the Option key.
  3. Press M.
  4. Release both keys.

You should get: µ

This works in many Mac apps, including Pages, Notes, Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and email.

Method 3: Type the Micro Sign in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word gives you several ways to type the symbol.

Option 1: Use the Alt Code in Word

On Windows:

  1. Place your cursor where you want the symbol.
  2. Turn on Num Lock.
  3. Hold down Alt.
  4. Type 0181 on the numeric keypad.
  5. Release Alt.

You should get: µ

Option 2: Use Word Unicode Shortcut

The Unicode for the micro sign is: 00B5

To use it in Word:

  1. Type 00B5.
  2. Press Alt + X.

Word will convert it into: µ

This is one of the best Word-specific methods because it does not require a numeric keypad.

Option 3: Use Insert Symbol in Word

To insert this symbol using Word’s Symbol menu:

  1. Click where you want to insert the symbol.
  2. Go to the Insert tab.
  3. Click Symbol.
  4. Click More Symbols.
  5. In the Font box, choose normal text.
  6. In the Subset box, choose Latin-1 Supplement.
  7. Find and select µ.
  8. Click Insert.
  9. Click Close.

You can now continue typing your document.

Option 4: Use AutoCorrect in Word

If you type this symbol often, you can create an AutoCorrect shortcut.

For example, you can make Word replace: microo

with: µ

To set this up:

  1. Insert the symbol into your Word document.
  2. Highlight the symbol.
  3. Go to File.
  4. Click Options.
  5. Click Proofing.
  6. Click AutoCorrect Options.
  7. In the Replace box, type a shortcut such as microo.
  8. In the With box, make sure the micro symbol appears.
  9. Click Add.
  10. Click OK.

Now, whenever you type microo, Word can replace it with: µ

Use a shortcut that you would not normally type by accident.

Method 4: Type the Micro in Excel

In Excel, you can type the micro symbol using the Alt code, Symbol menu, or copy and paste.

Option 1: Use Alt Code in Excel

To type the micro in Excel:

  1. Click inside the cell where you want the symbol.
  2. Turn on Num Lock.
  3. Hold Alt.
  4. Type 0181 on the numeric keypad.
  5. Release Alt.

You should get: µ

Example: 10 µg

Option 2: Use Insert Symbol in Excel

To insert the micro in Excel:

  1. Click the cell where you want the symbol.
  2. Go to the Insert tab.
  3. Click Symbol.
  4. Set Font to normal text.
  5. Set Subset to Latin-1 Supplement.
  6. Select µ.
  7. Click Insert.
  8. Click Close.

Option 3: Use Micro Symbol in Excel Units

You can type the micro sign before a unit.

Examples:

5 µm
25 µL
100 µg
47 µF

If you are entering values for calculation, it is often better to keep the number in one cell and the unit in another cell.

Example:

ValueUnit
50µm
10µL
200µg

This keeps your spreadsheet cleaner and easier to calculate with.

Method 5: Type the Micro Sign in PowerPoint

In PowerPoint, you can use the same methods as Word.

Option 1: Use the Alt Code

  1. Click inside a text box.
  2. Hold Alt.
  3. Type 0181 on the numeric keypad.
  4. Release Alt.

You should get: µ

Option 2: Use Insert Symbol

  1. Click inside the text box.
  2. Go to Insert.
  3. Click Symbol.
  4. Choose normal text.
  5. Choose Latin-1 Supplement.
  6. Select µ.
  7. Click Insert.

This is useful for scientific slides, medical presentations, engineering diagrams, and measurement labels.

Examples:

Particle size: 20 µm
Dose: 50 µg
Capacitance: 10 µF

Method 6: Type the Micro Symbol in Google Docs

Google Docs does not use the Windows Alt code in the same way as Microsoft Word, especially if you are using it inside a browser. But you can still insert the micro easily.

Option 1: Copy and Paste

Copy this symbol: µ

Then paste it into Google Docs.

This is the fastest method for most users.

Option 2: Use Special Characters in Google Docs

To insert the micro symbol in Google Docs:

  1. Open your Google Docs document.
  2. Click where you want the symbol.
  3. Go to Insert.
  4. Click Special characters.
  5. In the search box, type micro.
  6. Click the micro symbol µ.

Google Docs will insert it into your document.

Option 3: Use Mac Shortcut in Google Docs

If you are using Google Docs on a Mac, you can use:

Option + M

This should insert: µ

Method 7: Type the Micro Symbol in Google Sheets

In Google Sheets, the easiest method is copy and paste.

Copy this: µ

Then paste it into your sheet.

You can use it in cells like:

10 µL
50 µm
200 µg

If you are on Mac, you can also try:

Option + M

If you are on Windows, the Alt code may work depending on your browser and keyboard setup:

Alt + 0181

But if it does not work, copy and paste is the simplest option.

Method 8: Type the Micro Symbol on Chromebook

On Chromebook, the easiest way is to copy and paste: µ

You can also use Unicode input.

The Unicode for the micro sign is: 00B5

To type it on Chromebook:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + U.
  2. Type 00b5.
  3. Press Enter or Space.

You should get: µ

This method is useful if you need to type special symbols often on a Chromebook.

Method 9: Type the Micro Symbol on iPhone and iPad

The symbol is not always visible on the normal iPhone keyboard.

The easiest method is to copy it: µ

Then paste it where needed.

Create a Text Replacement on iPhone

If you type the micro symbol often, you can create a text replacement.

For example, you can make your iPhone replace: microo

with: µ

To set it up:

  1. Copy the micro symbol: µ
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Go to General.
  4. Tap Keyboard.
  5. Tap Text Replacement.
  6. Tap the + button.
  7. In Phrase, paste µ.
  8. In Shortcut, type something like microo.
  9. Tap Save.

Now, when you type microo, your iPhone can suggest or replace it with the micro sign.

Method 10: Type the Micro Symbol on Android

On Android, the micro symbol may not appear directly on your keyboard.

The easiest method is to copy and paste: µ

Use Gboard or Symbol Keyboard

Some Android keyboards may let you find the micro symbol by long-pressing certain letters or opening extra symbol pages. However, this depends on the keyboard app.

If you type the micro symbol often, you can use your keyboard’s personal dictionary or text shortcut feature.

For example, you can set: microo

to converts into: µ

The exact steps depend on your Android phone and keyboard app.

Method 11: Type the Micro Symbol Using Character Map on Windows

Character Map is a built-in Windows tool that lets you copy special characters.

To find the micro symbol in Character Map:

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Search for Character Map.
  3. Open it.
  4. Choose a common font like Arial or Times New Roman.
  5. Look for the micro symbol µ.
  6. Click it.
  7. Click Select.
  8. Click Copy.
  9. Paste it into your document.

This method is helpful if your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad.

Method 12: Type the Micro Symbol Using Windows Emoji/Symbol Panel

Windows also has a built-in symbol panel.

To open it:

  1. Press Windows key + .
    or
    Windows key + ;
  2. Go to the symbols section.
  3. Search or browse for the micro symbol if available.
  4. Click it to insert it.

If you cannot find it quickly, use the Alt code or copy and paste method instead.

Method 13: Type the Micro Symbol Using Mac Character Viewer

On Mac, you can also use Character Viewer.

To open Character Viewer:

  1. Click where you want the symbol.
  2. Press Control + Command + Space.
  3. Search for micro.
  4. Double-click the micro symbol µ to insert it.

This is useful if you do not remember the Option + M shortcut.

Method 14: Type the Micro Symbol in HTML

If you are writing HTML, you can use the micro symbol directly: µ

Or you can use an HTML entity.

SymbolHTML EntityDecimal CodeHex Code
µµµµ
μμμμ

Example:

10 µm

This displays as: 10 µm

Another example:

50 µg

This displays as: 50 µg

For metric units, use:

µ

Method 15: Type the Micro Symbol in CSS

In CSS content, you can use the symbol directly:

.unit::after {
  content: "µm";
}

You can also use a Unicode escape:

.unit::after {
  content: "\00B5 m";
}

This can display: µm

For normal writing in CSS files, using the actual symbol is often easier, as long as your file is saved in UTF-8 encoding.

Method 16: Type the Micro Symbol in JavaScript

In JavaScript, you can use the symbol directly in a string:

const unit = "µm";

You can also use Unicode escape:

const micro = "\u00B5";

Example:

console.log("50 " + micro + "m");

This outputs: 50 µm

Method 17: Type the Micro Symbol in Python

In Python, you can type the symbol directly:

unit = "µm"
print(unit)

You can also use Unicode:

micro = "\u00B5"
print("50 " + micro + "m")

This prints: 50 µm

Method 18: Type the Micro Symbol in LaTeX

In LaTeX, the micro symbol is usually typed using a command.

For units, many users use packages such as siunitx.

Example with siunitx:

\SI{10}{\micro\meter}

This represents: 10 µm

For plain math mode, you may also see:

\mu

But remember: \mu gives the Greek letter mu, not necessarily the micro sign.

For scientific documents, follow the style recommended by your teacher, journal, or organization.

Common Micro Symbol Units

Here are some of the most common units that use the micro symbol.

UnitFull NameMeaning
µmmicrometerone-millionth of a meter
µgmicrogramone-millionth of a gram
µLmicroliterone-millionth of a liter
µsmicrosecondone-millionth of a second
µAmicroampereone-millionth of an ampere
µVmicrovoltone-millionth of a volt
µWmicrowattone-millionth of a watt
µFmicrofaradone-millionth of a farad
µHmicrohenryone-millionth of a henry
µmolmicromoleone-millionth of a mole

Should You Use “u” Instead of the Micro Symbol?

Sometimes people type u instead of µ.

Examples:

um instead of µm
ug instead of µg
uL instead of µL

This is common when the micro symbol is not available. However, the proper symbol is:

µ

Better: 50 µm

Less proper, but sometimes accepted in plain text: 50 um

For formal writing, scientific documents, reports, labels, and presentations, use the real micro symbol whenever possible.

Micro Symbol in Medical and Scientific Writing

The micro symbol is very common in medical and scientific writing.

Examples:

500 µg
20 µL
5 µmol/L
2 µg/mL

Be careful when typing medical units. A small typing mistake can change the meaning.

For example:

mg means milligram
µg means microgram

A milligram is much larger than a microgram.

So 1 mg is not the same as 1 µg.

If you are preparing medical, laboratory, or dosage information, always double-check the unit.

Troubleshooting: Why Is the Micro Symbol Not Working?

1. The Alt Code Is Not Working

If Alt + 0181 is not working, check these things:

  • Make sure Num Lock is on.
  • Use the numeric keypad, not the top number row.
  • Try it in Microsoft Word or Notepad first.
  • If you are on a laptop without a numeric keypad, use copy and paste or Word’s Unicode method.

2. I Get a Different Symbol

Make sure you typed:

0181

while holding Alt.

If you type a different number, you may get a different character.

3. The Symbol Looks Different in Another Font

The micro symbol may look slightly different depending on the font.

For example, it may look different in:

Arial
Times New Roman
Calibri
Cambria
Courier New

This is normal. The character is still the same.

4. The Symbol Turns Into a Square Box

If the micro symbol appears as a square box, the font may not support it.

Try changing the font to:

Arial
Calibri
Times New Roman
Cambria
Segoe UI

5. I Need the Greek Mu, Not the Micro Sign

If you need the Greek lowercase mu, use: μ

Its Unicode is: U+03BC

In Word, type:

  • 03BC
  • Then press:
  • Alt + X
  • This gives:
  • μ

For metric units, use the micro sign: µ

For Greek letters in math or physics, use Greek mu: μ

Frequently Asked Questions About the Micro Symbol

What is the micro symbol?

The micro symbol is: µ. It means one-millionth in the metric system.

How do I type the micro symbol on Windows?

Use the Alt code: Alt + 0181. Hold Alt, type 0181 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.

How do I type the micro symbol on Mac?

  • On Mac, press:
  • Option + M
  • This inserts:
  • µ

What is the Alt code for the micro symbol?

The Alt code for the micro symbol is: Alt + 0181

What is the Unicode for the micro symbol?

The Unicode for the micro sign is: U+00B5

  • In Microsoft Word, type:
  • 00B5
  • Then press:
  • Alt + X

Is micro symbol the same as Greek mu?

No. They look very similar, but they are different characters.

  • µ is the micro sign.
  • μ is the Greek lowercase letter mu.

Which symbol should I use for micrometer?

Use the micro sign: µm

This means micrometer.

Which symbol should I use for microgram?

Use: µg

This means microgram.

How do I type microgram symbol?

Type the micro symbol first, then type g.

Result: µg

  • On Windows, use: Alt + 0181, then type g
  • On Mac, use: Option + M, then type g

How do I type micrometer symbol?

Type the micro symbol first, then type m.

Result: µm

  • On Windows: Alt + 0181, then m
  • On Mac: Option + M, then m

Can I type “um” instead of “µm”?

You can in casual plain text, but the proper unit is: µm

For formal or scientific writing, use the real micro symbol.

What is the HTML code for the micro symbol?

The HTML entity is: µ

You can also use: µ

Why does my micro symbol look like a Greek letter?

The micro sign and Greek letter mu look very similar. In some fonts, they may look almost identical. However, they are different Unicode characters.

Conclusion

The micro symbol is: µ

The easiest way to type it is to copy and paste it: µ

On Windows, use: Alt + 0181

On Mac, use: Option + M

In Microsoft Word, you can also type: 00B5, Then press: Alt + X.