Percent Symbol (%) on Keyboard: How to Type It (Windows, Mac, Word & Excel)
The percent symbol (%) is used to show a percentage, like 25% or 100%. You’ll see it in school work, prices, statistics, and spreadsheets.
The good news: on most English keyboards, it’s very quick to type. I’ll show the fastest way first, then a few easy backups that work in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and even your browser.
This guide covers Windows, Mac, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and what to do if your keyboard layout is different.
1-Minute Answer (Fastest Ways)
- On most English keyboards (Windows and Mac):
Hold Shift and press 5 → % - Copy and paste:
- Windows Alt code (needs a numeric keypad):
Hold Alt and type 37 on the numeric keypad → % - If your keyboard is different:
Use Windows Character Map or Office’s Insert Symbol option (steps below).
Quick Mini-Table (Fast Reference)
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Symbol | % |
| Name | Percent sign |
| Best keyboard method | Shift + 5 |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 37 (numeric keypad required) |
| Word/Excel/PowerPoint | Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → Subset: Basic Latin |
| Notes | Keyboard layout may vary (US/UK/others) |
Method A: Type % with the Keyboard (Windows + Mac)
On most English keyboards, the percent sign is on the same key as the number 5.
Steps:
- Click where you want the % symbol to appear.
- Hold Shift.
- Press 5.
- Release both keys.
Method B: Windows Alt Code (Windows Only)
Use this if you prefer Alt codes or your keyboard is acting weird.
Steps:
- Click where you want the % symbol.
- Turn Num Lock ON.
- Hold Alt.
- Type 37 on the numeric keypad (the separate number pad).
- Release Alt.
Important notes:
- This only works if you type the numbers on the numeric keypad.
- The number row at the top of your keyboard usually won’t work for Alt codes.
- On some laptops, there’s a “hidden numpad” (often on keys like U I O J K L). If your laptop supports it, you may need something like Fn + NmLk to turn it on.
Method C: Copy/Paste (Works Anywhere)
Steps:
- Copy this: %
- Paste it where you need it:
- Windows: Ctrl + V
- Mac: Command + V
This works in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, emails, and browsers.
Method D: Use Character Map (Windows)
If Shift + 5 types something else, Character Map is a reliable backup.
Steps:
- Open Character Map (search “Character Map” from the Start menu).
- Tick Advanced view.
- In the search box, type: Percent Sign
- Select the % symbol → Copy.
- Paste it into your document.
Method E: Insert Symbol (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
This is great when you’re already working inside Microsoft Office.
Steps:
- Click where you want the % symbol.
- Go to the Insert tab.
- Choose Symbol → More Symbols.
- Set Subset to: Basic Latin
- Select % → Insert.
Tip: The wording may look slightly different depending on your Office version, but the idea is the same: Insert → Symbol → pick %.
Percent Sign (%) vs Percentage Formatting in Excel (Quick Clarification)
- The percent sign (%) is just a character you can type.
- In Excel, you can also format numbers as percentages using Excel’s formatting options (often shown as a % button).
- If you only need the symbol in text, just type % (Shift+5) or paste it.
Common Issues (Troubleshooting)
Shift + 5 types something else
- Your keyboard layout is likely different (US vs UK vs other layouts can move symbols).
- Use Character Map (Windows) or Insert Symbol (Word/Excel/PowerPoint).
Alt code not working
- Make sure you’re using the numeric keypad (not the top row numbers).
- Turn Num Lock on.
- If you don’t have a numpad, use Shift + 5 or copy/paste instead.
Laptop without a numpad
- Try the hidden numpad (if your laptop has one) and turn it on (often Fn + NmLk).
- Otherwise, copy/paste is the quickest fix.
FAQ (People Also Ask)
How do I type % on Windows?
Use Shift + 5. If you want the Alt code method, use Alt + 37 on the numeric keypad.
How do I type % on Mac?
Use Shift + 5 on most English keyboard layouts.
What is the Alt code for %?
Alt + 37 (Windows, numeric keypad required).
Why does Shift + 5 not type % on my keyboard?
Your keyboard layout may be different. Use Character Map (Windows) or Insert Symbol in Word/Excel/PowerPoint.
How do I insert % in Word/Excel?
Use Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → Subset: Basic Latin → select % → Insert.
How do I type percent on a phone?
On most phones, switch to the numbers/symbols keyboard (often a “123” or “?123” key), then look for %. If you don’t see it, there’s usually a second symbols page (often “#+=”).
Quick Recap
- Fastest method (most keyboards): Shift + 5 → %
- Windows Alt code: Alt + 37 (numeric keypad only)
- Works anywhere: copy/paste %
- If keys don’t match your keyboard: use Character Map (Windows) or Insert → Symbol in Office