The double prime ″ has no Windows Alt code, so copy it or type 2033 then Alt+X in Word. It marks inches, seconds of an angle and a second derivative. It is two sloping strokes, not the straight double quote that sits on the keyboard.
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 "Double Prime" |
|
| Word / Outlook | Type 2033, then press Alt+X |
|
| Linux (IBus) | Ctrl+Shift+U, then 2033, then Enter |
|
| HTML / CSS | ″ · \2033 (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 Double Prime (U+2033).
- Select it, click Copy, then paste where you need it.
Mac
- Press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer.
- Type "Double Prime" in the search field.
- Double-click the result to insert it.
Microsoft Word
- Type 2033.
- 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+0022) | Quotation mark, the straight keyboard character | For quoting text and in code. It stands upright rather than sloping. |
| ” (U+201D) | Right double quotation mark, the curly closing quote | The typographic closing quote. Autocorrect frequently inserts it in place of a prime. |
| ′′ typed twice | Two single primes | A workaround that spaces wrongly. The real double prime is one character. |
05 FAQ
What is the Unicode code point for the double prime?
It is U+2033, decimal 8243. There is no Windows Alt code for it.
How do I write a height in feet and inches?
Use a prime then a double prime, as in 6′2″. A closing quote in place of the double prime is common but is not the correct character.
What does the double prime mean in coordinates?
It marks seconds of arc, the smallest unit in degrees, minutes and seconds, as in 51°30′26″ north. The single prime marks minutes.
What does f″ mean?
It is the second derivative of the function f, the derivative of its derivative. A triple prime continues the pattern, though most writing switches to a numbered notation after that.
Why do my measurements look wrong after typing?
Smart quotes have replaced the primes with curly quotation marks. Disable smart quotes, or paste the real characters once the text is written.