The fastest way depends on your operating system and what program you're using
A check mark (✓) is not on your keyboard's letter keys, but you can type one in seconds using a code, a menu, or a copy-paste. The method that works fastest for you depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and whether you're in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, a spreadsheet, or plain text.
If you need check marks often—in to-do lists, forms, or documents—learning the keyboard shortcut for your system saves time. If you only need one occasionally, copying and pasting is simpler than remembering a code.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, hold Alt and type 0252 on the numeric keypad to produce a check mark (✓).
- On Mac, press Option + V to type a check mark without opening a menu.
- In Microsoft Word on any system, type the word "checkmark" and use AutoCorrect to convert it to a symbol.
- Google Docs and most web programs let you insert symbols through the Insert menu without memorizing codes.
- If you use check marks daily, adding it to your keyboard's autocorrect settings means you can type a short code like "chk" and have it replace automatically.
Windows: Using the Alt code
On Windows, the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of most keyboards) lets you type special characters using Alt codes. To type a check mark, hold down the Alt key and type 0252 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The check mark (✓) appears when ready.
This only works on the numeric keypad—the numbers across the top of the keyboard will not work. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), you can enable a software numeric keypad by holding Fn while typing, or use one of the other methods below instead.
The Alt code 0252 produces a check mark with a box around it (☑). If you want a plain check mark without the box (✓), use Alt + 0010003 instead, though this code is longer and less reliable on all systems.
Mac: Using the Option key
On Mac, press Option + V to type a check mark (✓) directly. This is faster than Windows because it requires only two keys and works on any Mac keyboard, including laptops without a numeric keypad.
If Option + V does not work, your Mac may be set to a different keyboard layout. Check System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources to confirm you are using U.S. or another standard layout. If you use a non-English layout, the shortcut may differ.
Microsoft Word on Windows or Mac
Microsoft Word has a built-in AutoCorrect feature that converts text into symbols. Type the word "checkmark" (all lowercase, no space) and then press the spacebar or Enter. Word automatically replaces it with a check mark (✓).
If AutoCorrect does not work, open the Insert menu, select Symbol, search for "check mark," and click Insert. You can then add this symbol to your AutoCorrect settings so it converts automatically next time. Go to Tools > AutoCorrect Options (Windows) or Word > Preferences > AutoCorrect (Mac), then add a shortcut like "chk" that converts to ✓.
Google Docs and web-based programs
In Google Docs, open the Insert menu at the top, select Special Characters, and search for "check mark." Click the symbol you want, and it inserts into your document. This method works in any web-based program that has an Insert menu, including Google Sheets, Notion, and most online forms.
Google Docs also remembers symbols you use often. After you insert a check mark once, it appears in your recent characters, so the next time you open Special Characters, the check mark is at the top of the list.
Adding check marks to your autocorrect settings
If you type check marks regularly, set up autocorrect so a short code converts to the symbol automatically. In Windows, go to Settings > Time & Language > Typing > Advanced Keyboard Settings > Text Suggestions, or use a third-party tool like AutoHotkey to create custom shortcuts. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text and add a replacement (for example, type "chk" in the Replace field and paste ✓ in the With field).
Once set up, you can type "chk" anywhere—in email, documents, or web forms—and it converts to ✓ automatically. This is the fastest method if you use check marks multiple times per day.
Copying and pasting a check mark
The simplest method if you only need a check mark once is to copy one from this page or from a search result. Highlight the check mark (✓), press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) to copy, then press Ctrl + V or Command + V to paste it where you need it. The check mark pastes as plain text and works in any program.
You can also search "check mark symbol" in your browser, copy one from the results, and paste it into your document. This takes about 10 seconds and requires no memorization of codes or shortcuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Alt + 0252 not work on my Windows laptop?
Laptops often do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try holding Fn while typing the numbers, or enable the on-screen numeric keypad by pressing Fn + Num Lock. If neither works, use the copy-paste method or the Google Docs Insert menu instead.
Can I type a check mark in email?
Yes. Gmail, Outlook, and most email programs support the Alt code (Windows) or Option + V (Mac). If your email is web-based and the shortcut does not work, use Insert > Special Characters or copy and paste a check mark from another source.
What is the difference between ✓ and ☑?
✓ is a plain check mark. ☑ is a check mark inside a box, often used in forms and checklists. Windows Alt + 0252 produces the boxed version. Use whichever matches the style of your document.
Can I add a check mark to my phone keyboard?
On iPhone, open Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement and add a shortcut (like "chk") that converts to ✓. On Android, the method depends on your keyboard app—most allow custom shortcuts through their settings menu.
Does the check mark work in all programs?
Yes, the check mark is a standard Unicode character and works in Word, Google Docs, email, spreadsheets, web forms, and plain text files. It may display slightly differently depending on the font, but it will appear in every program.