The quickest way depends on what you're typing into

A check mark (✓) is a small symbol that means "yes," "done," or "correct." The fastest way to type one depends on whether you're using Windows, Mac, a phone, or a web document like Google Docs. On Windows, hold Alt and press 0251 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Option and V together. On iPhone or Android, open your keyboard settings and add a symbol keyboard, then swipe to find it. In Google Docs, go to Insert > Special Characters and search for "check mark."

If you need the symbol right now and none of those methods work, you can also copy this one: ✓. Paste it wherever you need it. This works in almost any program on any device.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type a check mark by holding Alt and pressing 0251 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of a full keyboard).
  • Mac users press Option and V at the same time to produce a check mark.
  • In Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides, use Insert > Special Characters, then search for "check mark" to find and insert it.
  • On phones, enable the symbol keyboard in your keyboard settings, then swipe through the keyboard tabs to find the check mark.
  • You can copy and paste a check mark from any web page or document into your own work if the keyboard shortcut does not work.

Windows: Using the Alt code

The most reliable method on Windows is the Alt code. Make sure you are using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard — the number row at the top of the keyboard will not work. Hold down the Alt key, then type 0251 on the numeric keypad. Release Alt, and the check mark appears.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), you may need to enable Num Lock first. Look for a key labeled Num Lock, usually near the top right of the keyboard. Press it once to turn it on — a light may appear on the key. Then try the Alt + 0251 combination again.

If Alt + 0251 does not work, try Alt + 251 (without the leading zero). Some Windows versions accept either code. If neither works, use the Character Map program instead: press Windows Key + R, type charmap, and press Enter. Search for "check mark," select it, and click Copy.

Mac: The Option key shortcut

On Mac, press Option (also called Alt) and V at the same time. This produces a check mark when ready in most programs, including Word, Google Docs, email, and text editors.

If that does not work, try Option + Shift + 9. Some Mac keyboards or system versions use this combination instead. If neither works, open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type "character viewer," and press Enter. Search for "check mark," double-click it, and it pastes into your document.

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

In any Google product, go to the Insert menu at the top. Click Special Characters. A search box appears. Type "check mark" and press Enter. Several versions appear — the solid filled check mark (✓) is usually the first result. Click it, and it inserts into your document at the cursor.

This method also works in Google Forms if you need a check mark in a question or answer choice. The same Insert > Special Characters path applies.

iPhone and Android phones

On iPhone, open Settings, go to General > Keyboard > Keyboards, and tap Add New Keyboard. Select Symbols (or your language's symbol keyboard). Now when you type, swipe left or right on the space bar to switch between your main keyboard and the symbol keyboard. Tap the check mark when you find it.

On Android, the process varies by phone brand and keyboard app. Open Settings, find Language & Input or Keyboard Settings, and look for an option to add a symbol keyboard or emoji keyboard. Once enabled, open any text field and look for a button (often labeled with a smiley face or symbols icon) to switch keyboards. Swipe through the tabs until you see the check mark.

Microsoft Word and Outlook

In Word or Outlook, go to Insert > Symbol. A dialog box opens. In the font dropdown, select Wingdings or Wingdings 2. Scroll down to find the check mark, click it, and click Insert. It appears in your document.

Alternatively, use the Alt code method (Alt + 0251 on Windows, Option + V on Mac) in any Microsoft program. Both methods work equally well.

Why the check mark symbol matters

The check mark is used in lists, forms, surveys, and documents to show completion or approval. It is clearer than typing "yes" or "done" and takes up less space. Many programs use it automatically — when you check a box in a form, the program inserts a check mark for you. Knowing how to type it manually is useful when you are creating your own lists, editing documents, or filling out forms that do not have clickable checkboxes.

Different check mark symbols exist. The solid filled version (✓) is most common. A hollow version (☐) looks like an empty box. A ballot X (☒) looks like a box with an X inside. All three use the same methods to insert — just search for the specific name in Special Characters or use a different Alt code (Alt + 0254 for the hollow box on Windows).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a check mark and a checkmark?

There is no difference — both terms refer to the same symbol (✓). "Check mark" is more common in American English, while "checkmark" (one word) is also used. The symbol itself is identical.

Can I use a check mark in an Excel spreadsheet?

Yes. Use the same method as Word: go to Insert > Symbol, select Wingdings, find the check mark, and click Insert. Or use Alt + 0251 on Windows or Option + V on Mac. The check mark appears in the cell where your cursor is.

Why does Alt + 0251 not work on my laptop?

Laptops usually do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. You may need to enable Num Lock and use the number keys that double as letters (usually on the right side of the keyboard). If that does not work, use the Character Map program (Windows Key + R, type charmap) or copy and paste a check mark from the web instead.

Is there a check mark emoji I can use instead?

Yes. The emoji ✅ (a check mark inside a circle) is available on all devices and looks similar to the text symbol. You can access it through your emoji keyboard on phones or by searching "check mark" in Google Docs' Special Characters. It is slightly larger and more colorful than the text version.

Can I make a check mark in a text message?

Yes. On iPhone, use Option + V. On Android, open your symbol keyboard and find the check mark. You can also copy and paste the symbol from any web page into your message. The check mark appears the same way as any other character in the text.