Youll learn all the easy methods including the Plus or Minus Alt code shortcut.

And if you are using Windows, simply press down the Alt key and type 241 using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard.

That is to say that there are symbols readily available as second keys on the keyboard.

Just by pressing two or more keys simultaneously, you can easily insert such symbols into your work.

For instance, pressing Shift 7 keys give you the Ampersand () sign.

Especially now that you are reading this step-by-step guide.

It is the alt code shortcut which is Alt241 (will be discussed in the next section).

Now, using the Mac keyboard, Press Option Shift simultaneously.

Use Fn key NumLk keys to turn on Num Lock on laptops without the numeric keypad.

Press and hold the Alt key and type 241 using the numeric keypad.

After typing the Alt code (i.e.

Alt key you pressed down.

Once you get the symbol into your document, you can always recopy and paste it as and when the need arises.

The symbol you searched for (i.e.

Plus or Minus symbol) will now appear on the Character map.

Youll see that the symbol appears in the Characters to copy text box.

This allows you to select and copy several symbols at the same time.

Switch over to wherever you need the symbol, whether in MS Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, and press Ctrl V to paste.

The Plus or Minus symbol you want to insert is in this category and should appear.

Click on the AutoCorrect button to display the AutoCorrect window.

Meaning if you type pms (in lowercase), Word will not convert it into the Plus or Minus sign unless you type PMS (in uppercase).

For example, XPMS will not get converted, but X PMS will get converted to X.

Excel Windows For Mac