Need to add the plus minus symbol (±) to your document? Here’s how to easily insert the plus minus symbol in Google Docs ➕➖ using keyboard shortcuts, Unicode, or the special characters menu on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu. Whether you’re writing a math equation, scientific range, or tolerance notation, ± is a symbol you’ll want in your formatting toolbox. 🧪📐
This quick guide will show you multiple methods to insert ± with ease, no matter your device or operating system.
➕➖ What Does the Plus Minus Symbol Mean?
The plus minus symbol (±) is used in:
- Mathematics: ±2 means both +2 and −2
- Science: Expressing measurement uncertainty (e.g., 10 ± 0.5 g)
- Engineering: Tolerances and precision values
- Statistics: Margin of error (e.g., 5% ± 1.2%)
📌 It’s a compact way to communicate variation, fluctuation, or duality in values.
⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts to Insert ± Symbol
You can insert the ± symbol using the following system-specific methods:
| Platform | Shortcut / Unicode Method |
|---|---|
| Windows | Alt + 0177 (numeric keypad only) |
| macOS | Option + Shift + = or Control + Command + Space → search “plus minus” |
| Ubuntu/Linux | Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00B1, then press Enter |
🧠 Note: Windows users need to enable Num Lock and use the numeric keypad for Alt + 0177 to work.
🔣 Method 1: Use Google Docs Special Characters Tool
- Click on Insert > Special characters.
- In the search box, type “plus minus” or “±”.
- Click the ± symbol to insert it into your document.
✅ This method is universal and requires no memory of shortcuts.
📋 Method 2: Copy and Paste the ± Symbol
Quick fix? Copy it right here:
±
Then paste it using:
Ctrl + V(Windows/Linux)Cmd + V(Mac)
🚀 Ideal for mobile devices or keyboards without extended functions.
🧮 Method 3: Insert ± Using the Equation Editor
For math-heavy documents:
- Click Insert > Equation.
- In the equation toolbar, select Miscellaneous operators (∅ symbol).
- Find and click the ± symbol, or type
\pm.
🧑🏫 Great for consistent formatting in scientific papers and technical documents.
📱 How to Insert the Plus Minus Symbol on Mobile
On Android/iOS:
- Open your document in the Google Docs app.
- Tap where you want the symbol.
- Switch to the symbols keyboard or long-press + on supported keyboards.
- Or just copy and paste the ± symbol from this article.
📲 This method works across all devices when editing on the go.
⚙️ Bonus Tip: Use Auto-Correct Shortcut for ±
Want to insert ± faster next time?
- Go to Tools > Preferences > Substitutions.
- Add a custom replacement like:
- Replace
+/-with±
- Replace
- Click OK to save.
💡 Every time you type +/-, Google Docs will now auto-replace it with ±.
💬 FAQs About the Plus Minus Symbol in Google Docs
What’s the shortcut for ± on Windows?
Use Alt + 0177 with the numeric keypad enabled.
How do I type ± on a Mac?
Press Option + Shift + =, or use the Emoji & Symbols viewer (Ctrl + Cmd + Space).
Can I insert ± on Linux/Ubuntu?
Yes! Use Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00B1, and press Enter.
Is there a quick way to insert ± repeatedly?
Set up a text replacement under Tools > Preferences to auto-convert +/- to ±.
Can I use the plus minus symbol in equations?
Absolutely! Use Insert > Equation, then type \pm.
Is it available on mobile?
Yes, you can paste it directly or use a symbol-enabled keyboard.
🟢 Final Thoughts: Plus Minus Symbol Google Docs
Whether you’re drafting a physics formula, a budget with tolerances, or a math worksheet, adding the plus minus symbol in Google Docs ➕➖ is quick and painless. With shortcuts, special characters, and copy-paste methods at your fingertips, you’ll never need to settle for typing “+/-” again.
So go ahead — keep your formatting precise, your math clean, and your symbols sharp!
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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