How to Type the Angle Symbol (∠) in Word (Keyboard + Easy Methods)
If you’re writing geometry (or anything with angles), the symbol you usually want is the angle symbol: ∠.
Most people need it in Microsoft Word for homework, exams, worksheets, or reports. The good news: you can insert it quickly, even if your keyboard doesn’t have it.
This guide gives you the fastest options first, then simple step-by-step methods for Word, Windows, Mac, Google Docs, Excel, and phones.
1-Minute Answer (fastest ways)
- Copy & paste:
- Word (Windows): Alt + 8736 (numeric keypad required; Word only)
- Word (Windows/Mac): Insert → Symbol (reliable)
- Mac: Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space) → search angle
- Google Docs: Insert → Special characters → search angle
- Phone (iPhone/Android): copy & paste is the simplest
Step-by-Step Methods
A) Microsoft Word (Windows) — strongest section
Method 1: Alt code (verified)
- Click where you want the symbol in Word.
- Turn Num Lock ON.
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type the alt code 8736 on the numeric keypad.
- Release Alt to insert ∠.
Important notes:
- This works only in Microsoft Word.
- You must use the numeric keypad (not the top row numbers).
- Laptop tip: some laptops have a hidden keypad you can enable (often Fn + NmLk). If yours doesn’t, use Insert Symbol below.
Method 2: Insert Symbol (reliable, beginner-safe)
- Go to the Insert tab.
- Choose Symbol (or Symbols), then More Symbols (wording may vary).
- Find ∠ (scroll, or use any symbol category/font list if available).
- Click Insert.
Method 3: Copy/paste (fastest and works everywhere)
- Copy ∠ from this page and paste it into Word.
B) Windows (any app)
Best option:
- Copy/paste ∠ (works in most apps, browsers, and documents)
Alternative: Character Map
- Open Character Map (search for it in the Start menu).
- Choose a font.
- Find/select ∠, then copy it.
- Paste it where you need it.
C) Mac (Word + Pages + others)
Best option: Character Viewer
- Press Control + Command + Space.
- Search for angle.
- Click ∠ to insert.
Or:
- Copy/paste ∠ from this page.
D) Excel + PowerPoint
Best option:
- Copy/paste ∠
Also works in many cases:
- Insert → Symbol (similar idea to Word; wording may vary)
E) Google Docs + Google Sheets
Best option:
- Copy/paste ∠
Google Docs:
- Go to Insert → Special characters.
- Search angle.
- Click ∠ to insert.
Google Sheets:
- Copy/paste ∠ into a cell.
F) iPhone + Android (quick)
Most reliable:
- Copy/paste ∠
Optional:
- If your keyboard has symbol search, try searching angle (this varies by keyboard app).
Common Confusion (Angle vs “Angle-like” Symbols)
- ∠ is the standard angle symbol used in geometry.
- ∟ is the right angle symbol.
- ∡ is the measured angle symbol.
If you only need the regular angle symbol, use ∠.
Troubleshooting
“Alt + 8736 doesn’t work”
This usually happens because:
- You’re not in Microsoft Word, or
- You didn’t use the numeric keypad, or
- Num Lock is off, or
- Your laptop has no keypad → use Insert → Symbol or copy/paste.
“I see a box/square instead of the symbol”
- Change to a font that supports the symbol, or
- Insert it using Insert → Symbol in Word (often picks a supported symbol font automatically).
FAQ
How do I type the angle symbol (∠) in Word?
Fastest: copy/paste ∠.
On Windows Word only: Alt + 8736 (numeric keypad).
Most reliable: Insert → Symbol.
What is the Alt code for the angle symbol in Word?
In Word (Windows): Alt + 8736 (numeric keypad required).
Why doesn’t Alt + 8736 work outside Word?
Because this specific shortcut is Word-only. For other apps, use copy/paste or Insert Symbol.
How do I insert the angle symbol in Google Docs?
Go to Insert → Special characters, then search angle, and select ∠.
How do I type the right angle symbol?
Use ∟ by copy/paste, or insert it via Insert → Symbol.
What’s the difference between ∠ and ∟?
∠ means a general angle. ∟ specifically means a right angle (90°).
Quick Recap
- Fastest anywhere: copy/paste ∠
- Word (Windows) shortcut: Alt + 8736 (Word only, numeric keypad)
- Most reliable in Word: Insert → Symbol
- Mac: Control + Command + Space → search “angle”
- Google Docs: Insert → Special characters → search “angle”