How to type an em dash on Windows
To type an em dash on Windows, hold Alt and type 0151 on the numeric keypad; — appears when you release. In Word, Ctrl + Alt + Num − (the minus key on the keypad) inserts it too, and Alt + 0150 gives the shorter en dash –.
Quick answer
Em dash: Alt + 0151 → —. En dash: Alt + 0150 → –.
Step by step
Check Num Lock
Alt codes are read from the numeric keypad, so it has to be in number mode.
Hold Alt and type 0151
Keep the left Alt key down while you press 0, 1, 5, 1 on the keypad.
Release Alt
The em dash appears. Carry on typing the next word straight after it.
Word’s own dash shortcuts
Word gives both dashes keypad shortcuts: Ctrl + Alt + Num − for the em dash and Ctrl + Num − for the en dash. It also converts dashes as you type. Two hyphens typed between words with no spaces (word--word) become an em dash, and a single hyphen with spaces around it (word - word) becomes an en dash. Those conversions are part of AutoFormat As You Type and can be switched off under File → Options → Proofing. The em dash in Word guide covers every Word route.
Spaces around the dash
American publishers usually close up the em dash—like this—while British newspapers prefer a spaced en dash – like this. Neither is wrong, but mixing them in one document looks careless. Our comparison of the em dash, en dash and hyphen explains which to use for ranges, pauses and compound words.
Laptops without a keypad
The number row will not trigger Alt + 0151. Use the embedded keypad (Fn + NumLk) if your laptop has one, or open the emoji panel with Win + . and find — in the Symbols tab under punctuation. In Word, 2014 then Alt + X needs no keypad at all. Many writers simply copy the dash from the em dash page and pin it with Win + V.
When you get a different character
If Alt + 0151 produces a letter or nothing, the app may not accept Windows-1252 alt codes; some terminals are like this. Paste the dash instead. And if a website shows — as “—”, the page has been saved with the wrong encoding, not typed incorrectly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the alt code for an em dash?
Alt + 0151 on the numeric keypad. The en dash is Alt + 0150.
How do I get an em dash in Word without a keypad?
Type two hyphens between two words with no spaces (word--word) and Word converts them, or type 2014 and press Alt + X.
Should there be spaces around an em dash?
In American style, no: word—word. British style often uses a spaced en dash instead: word – word.