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.

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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).

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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)

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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:

1. Click where you want the % symbol to appear.
2. Hold Shift.
3. Press 5.
4. Release both keys.

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Method B: Windows Alt Code (Windows Only)

Use this if you prefer Alt codes or your keyboard is acting weird.

Steps:

1. Click where you want the % symbol.
2. Turn Num Lock ON.
3. Hold Alt.
4. Type 37 on the numeric keypad (the separate number pad).
5. 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.