The numero sign № has no Windows Alt code, so copy it or type 2116 then Alt+X in Word. It is the standard abbreviation for "number" across Russia, much of Europe and Latin America. English uses No. or the hash instead.
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 "Numero Sign" |
|
| Word / Outlook | Type 2116, then press Alt+X |
|
| Linux (IBus) | Ctrl+Shift+U, then 2116, then Enter |
|
| HTML / CSS | № · \2116 (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 Numero Sign (U+2116).
- Select it, click Copy, then paste where you need it.
Mac
- Press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer.
- Type "Numero Sign" in the search field.
- Double-click the result to insert it.
Microsoft Word
- Type 2116.
- Press Alt+X immediately after, it converts the hex code to №.
03 Troubleshooting & confusables
| Looks like it | But it's actually | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| No. | The English abbreviation in plain letters | The normal English form. № is uncommon in English-language typography. |
| # (U+0023) | Number sign | The American shorthand for a number, as in #4. It is not used this way in Europe. |
| N followed by a small o | Two characters typed to imitate the symbol | A workaround where the real character is unavailable. It will not sort or search the same. |
04 FAQ
What is the Unicode code point for the numero sign?
It is U+2116, decimal 8470. There is no Windows Alt code, since it falls outside the Windows-1252 code page.
Is № used in English?
Rarely. English writing uses No. or #. The symbol is standard in Russian, and common in Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and several other languages.
How is it typed on a Russian keyboard?
It has a dedicated position at Shift+3 on the standard Russian layout, exactly where a US layout puts the hash.
Is there a space between № and the number?
Russian typographic convention puts a space, as in № 5, and preferably a non-breaking one so the pair never splits across a line.
How do I type it without a Russian keyboard?
Copy it, or type 2116 and press Alt+X in Word. On a Mac, open the Character Viewer and search for "numero".