How to Type a Backslash Symbol \ on Your Keyboard

The backslash \ (also called a reverse solidus) is the “slash going the other way.” You’ll see it a lot in:

• Windows file paths like C:\Users\Name
• Coding (escape characters and commands)
• Some URLs, terminal commands, and settings

Don’t confuse it with the forward slash / (the one used in web links like /about/). They look similar, but they’re different characters and often mean different things.

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1-Minute Answer (fastest ways)

Windows (fastest)

1. Use the backslash key (most common): it’s usually near the Enter key and often shares a key with | (pipe).
2. Alt code: Hold Alt and type 92 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
3. Windows symbol panel: Press Win + . (or Win + ;) and check Symbols/Kaomoji. If you can’t find it quickly, use Character Map instead.

Mac (fastest)

1. Use the backslash key (location depends on your keyboard layout).The backslash key on Mac
2. Character Viewer: Press Control + Command + Space, search backslash, then insert it.

Important: There isn’t one universal “Mac shortcut” for backslash besides using the key itself. The key position and what you press can change depending on your keyboard layout (US vs UK vs European layouts).

Word / Excel / Google Docs (if your key isn’t available)

• Word/Excel/PowerPoint: use Insert → Symbol (or copy/paste).
• Google Docs: use Insert → Special characters and search backslash.

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Quick reference (Backslash )

Symbol: \
Name: Backslash (Reverse solidus)
Unicode: U+005C
Windows Alt code: Alt + 92 (numeric keypad)
HTML: \
Common “US keyboard key”: usually near Enter/Return, often the same key as | (pipe)

Item	Value
Symbol	\
Name	Backslash / Reverse solidus
Unicode	U+005C
Windows Alt code	Alt + 92
HTML	\
Typical key location (US)	Near Enter/Return, often shared with |

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