How to Type the Tilde Symbol (~) on Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Word, Google Docs)

The tilde symbol ~ is used in a lot of places: to mean “approximately” (≈), to show ranges (5–10 ~ about 5 to 10), in programming, in usernames, and sometimes in math and logic.

Quick warning (this confuses a lot of people):

• The tilde symbol (~) is a standalone character you can type by itself.
• The tilde accent is a mark used on letters, like ñ, ã, õ. On some keyboards, you “type the accent first,” then type the letter.

This guide shows both—so you can get the exact one you need.

1-Minute Answer (fastest ways)

Windows (fastest)

• Keyboard (US layout): Press Shift + ` (the key below Esc, left of number 1).
• Alt code: Hold Alt and type 126 on the numeric keypad → ~
• Emoji/Symbol panel: Press Win + . (or Win + ;) → go to Symbols → find ~ (location can vary).

Mac (fastest)

• Keyboard (US layout): Press Shift + ` (key below Esc).
• Tilde accent method (for letters): Press Option + N, then type:
  • n → ñ
  • a → ã
  • o → õ
• Tilde alone (Mac “dead key”): Option + N, then Space → often gives ˜ (looks like tilde but is a different character). If you specifically need ~, use the keyboard method above (US layout) or copy/paste.

Microsoft Word (fastest)

• Type the code: type 007E then press Alt + X → ~ Microsoft Support
• Insert Symbol: Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → pick ~
• Copy/paste: copy ~ from this page and paste.

Google Docs (fastest)

• Insert → Special characters → search tilde (or draw it) → insert.

iPhone / Android (fastest)

• Tap 123 (or ?123) → look for ~ on the symbols page.
• Note: phone keyboards vary by app and language, so the exact spot may differ.

Quick reference (tilde ~)

Symbol: ~
Unicode: U+007E Codepoints
Windows Alt code: Alt + 126 (numeric keypad) Toptal
Keyboard shortcut (US layout): Shift + ` (key below Esc)