The angle sign ∠ names an angle in geometry, as in ∠ABC where B is the vertex. Type 2220 then Alt+X in Word, or copy it. There is no Windows Alt code. Two related characters exist for a measured angle and a spherical one.
01 All shortcuts at a glance
| Platform | Shortcut | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows (any app) | Win+. or Win+; emoji/symbol picker, or Character Map (Win+R → charmap) |
|
| Mac | Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer, search "Angle" |
|
| Word / Outlook | Type 2220, then press Alt+X |
|
| Linux (IBus) | Ctrl+Shift+U, then 2220, then Enter |
|
| HTML / CSS | ∠ · \2220 (CSS) |
02 Step by step, per platform
A real, followable procedure for every platform, not a thin restatement of the shortcut.
Windows
- Open Character Map: Win+R, type charmap, press Enter.
- Search or scroll for Angle (U+2220).
- Select it, click Copy, then paste where you need it.
Mac
- Press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer.
- Type "Angle" in the search field.
- Double-click the result to insert it.
Microsoft Word
- Type 2220.
- Press Alt+X immediately after, it converts the hex code to ∠.
03 Characters in this set
04 Troubleshooting & confusables
| Looks like it | But it's actually | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| ∡ (U+2221) | Measured angle, with an arc | Where the notation must distinguish a measured value from the angle itself. |
| < (U+003C) | Less-than sign | A comparison operator. It is a common handwritten substitute and wrong in typeset work. |
| ∢ (U+2222) | Spherical angle | For angles on a sphere, in spherical geometry and navigation. |
05 FAQ
What is the Unicode code point for the angle sign?
It is U+2220, decimal 8736. There is no Windows Alt code for it.
How do I name an angle correctly?
Use three letters with the vertex in the middle, as in ∠ABC for the angle at B. A single letter, ∠B, works when only one angle sits at that point.
What is the difference between ∠ and ∡?
The plain angle names the geometric figure. The measured angle at U+2221 adds an arc and refers to its magnitude, a distinction some textbooks maintain and others ignore.
How do I write the degree measure?
Combine the two, as in ∠ABC = 45°. The angle sign names the object and the degree sign gives its size.
How do I type it in Word?
Type 2220 and press Alt+X. Word's equation editor also has it in the geometry symbol set, which spaces it correctly in a formula.