En Dash (–)
To type an en dash (–): press ⌥- (Option + hyphen) on a Mac, or hold Alt and type 0150 on the numeric keypad on Windows. Use it for ranges like 2020–2024 and pp. 10–12.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| En dash – | ⌥- | Alt+0150 | |
| – (copy) | – | – | |
| Em dash — | ⌥⇧- | Alt+0151 |
En dash vs hyphen vs em dash
The en dash (–) is longer than a hyphen (-) and shorter than an em dash (—). On a Mac press ⌥- (Option + hyphen). On Windows, hold Alt and type 0150 on the numeric keypad (NumLock on), then release. No number pad? Copy the – above.
Where you use the en dash
Use the en dash for ranges of numbers, dates and pages: 2020–2024, 9:00–17:00, pp. 10–12. It also joins connected terms like the London–Paris route. Do not confuse it with the em dash (—), which sets off a phrase.
FAQ
What is the en dash shortcut?
On a Mac press ⌥- (Option + hyphen). On Windows hold Alt and type 0150 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
What's the difference between an en dash and a hyphen?
A hyphen (-) joins words like well-known. An en dash (–) is wider and marks ranges like 2020–2024. An em dash (—) is the widest and sets off a phrase.