Micro Sign Shortcut (µ)
To type the micro sign (µ): press ⌥M (Option+M) on a Mac, or hold Alt and type 0181 on the numeric keypad on Windows. Use it for units like µg (micrograms) and µm (microns).
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro Symbol µ | ⌥M | Alt+0181 | |
| Micro Symbol (copy) | µ | µ |
The micro symbol on Mac vs Windows
The micro symbol (µ) is used for units like µg (micrograms), µm (microns), µs (microseconds). On a Mac press ⌥M (Option+M). On Windows, hold Alt and type 0181 on the numeric keypad, then release. No number pad? Copy the µ above, or use the Windows emoji panel Win+. and search for the character.
When to use µ
The µ (Greek mu) is the SI prefix for micro-, meaning one millionth. It appears in µg, µm and µs. The dedicated micro sign and the Greek letter μ look alike but are separate Unicode characters; the ⌥M / Alt+0181 one is the micro sign.
FAQ
What is the micro symbol shortcut?
On a Mac press ⌥M (Option+M). On Windows hold Alt and type 0181 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
How do I type µ on a laptop without a number pad?
Copy the µ from this page, or on Windows open the emoji panel with Win+. and search for it. On Mac ⌥M works on any keyboard.
What does µg mean?
µg means microgram — one millionth of a gram. Type the µ with ⌥M on Mac or Alt+0181 on Windows, then add g.