In Excel, inserting the plus minus symbol (±) is simple and highly useful, especially when representing tolerances, ranges, and statistical values 📊. Whether you’re dealing with engineering measurements or confidence intervals, the plus minus symbol in Excel helps display data more clearly. This guide walks you through multiple ways to insert and use the ± symbol in Excel, along with keyboard shortcuts for Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux, and tips for formulas, formatting, and automation.
🔠 How to Type Plus Minus Symbol in Excel
There are several methods to insert the ± symbol in Excel:
✅ Use Keyboard Shortcuts (Best Option)
| Platform | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Windows | Hold Alt and type 0177 on numeric pad → ± |
| macOS | Press Option + Shift + = → ± |
| Ubuntu/Linux | Use Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00b1, press Enter → ± |
💡 Make sure Num Lock is on (Windows) and you’re typing into a cell or formula bar.
🧠 Insert Plus Minus Symbol Using Excel’s Symbol Dialog
Another simple method to insert the plus-minus character manually:
- Go to the Insert tab on the Ribbon
- Click Symbol (far-right side)
- Set Font to (normal text)
- Scroll to find or enter Unicode
00B1 - Click Insert
✅ The ± symbol will appear in your selected cell.
📋 Formula-Based Methods to Display ± in Excel
You can also use formulas to insert the ± sign dynamically.
📌 Using the CHAR Function
=CHAR(177)
This will return ± as a text value. It’s useful for creating dynamic labels like:
="Value: 10 "&CHAR(177)&" 2"
🧾 Result: Value: 10 ± 2
🔡 Use Unicode or AutoCorrect for ±
Unicode Entry (if supported):
- Type
00B1 - Press
Alt+X(Windows only)
It will convert 00B1 into ±.
Set AutoCorrect Entry:
- Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options
- In Replace, type
+/- - In With, type
± - Click Add
🎯 Now, every time you type +/-, Excel will auto-replace it with ±.
📊 Use Cases for Plus Minus Symbol in Excel
- 📐 Engineering Tolerances: 50 ± 0.5 mm
- 📉 Statistics: Mean ± Standard Deviation
- 💼 Financial Forecasting: ±5% uncertainty
- 🎯 Measurement and Testing Reports
⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts Summary: Plus Minus in Excel
| Action | Windows | macOS | Ubuntu/Linux |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insert ± via shortcut | Alt + 0177 | Option + Shift + = | Ctrl + Shift + U, then 00b1, Enter |
| Insert via Symbol | Insert > Symbol | Same | Same (if using LibreOffice) |
| Formula with CHAR | =CHAR(177) | =CHAR(177) | =CHAR(177) |
✅ These shortcuts make inserting ± faster than digging through menus!
⚠️ Common Errors When Inserting ± in Excel
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Alt code not working | Make sure Num Lock is on and use numeric keypad only |
| CHAR(177) shows number | Cell may be in Number format → change to General or Text |
| Unicode not converting | Alt + X only works on Windows and some Excel versions |
| Symbol not printing | Font issue → use a font that supports Unicode (e.g., Arial, Calibri) |
❓ FAQs: Plus Minus Symbol Excel
What is the shortcut for plus minus symbol in Excel?
On Windows, press Alt + 0177. On Mac, use Option + Shift + =.
Can I add the ± symbol in a formula?
Yes! Use CHAR(177) inside text strings.
Why does ± not appear when I use the shortcut?
Ensure you’re using the numeric keypad and correct font.
How do I automate ± insertion in Excel?
Use AutoCorrect or create a macro for recurring use.
Can I use ± in charts or axis labels?
Yes — insert it as part of a custom label or legend using ="± 5%".
✅ Conclusion: Add the Plus Minus Symbol in Excel with Ease
The plus minus symbol in Excel (±) is a small but powerful visual tool for presenting uncertainty, tolerance, or variance. You can insert it using keyboard shortcuts, the CHAR function, or even AutoCorrect. Whether you’re a statistician, engineer, or financial analyst, mastering this symbol boosts your Excel presentation clarity and professionalism. Now you know how to type, format, and automate ± in Excel — like a pro! ➕➖
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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