How to type the infinity symbol on a Mac
To type the infinity symbol on a Mac, press Option + 5. The ∞ appears in any app on the US layout, with no special keyboard or software needed. The same Option layer holds other maths signs, including ≈, ≠ and ≤.
Quick answer
Press Option + 5 → ∞
Step by step
Hold Option
The ⌥ key next to Command.
Press 5
On the number row. ∞ appears at the cursor.
The Mac’s built-in maths shortcuts
The US Option layer is surprisingly good for maths. Alongside ∞ on Option + 5, you get ≈ with Option + X, ≠ with Option + =, ≤ and ≥ with Option + , and Option + ., √ with Option + V, π with Option + P, and ÷ with Option + /. The Mac Option key shortcuts guide has the full chart, and the math symbols collection covers everything the keyboard does not.
Infinity in equations
Pages, Keynote and Numbers accept LaTeX in Insert → Equation, so \infty produces a properly spaced ∞ inside formulas such as limits. For plain sentences (“∞ loop”, “0 to ∞”), the Option shortcut is faster.
∞ versus the infinity emoji ♾️
Searching “infinity” in the Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space) shows two results. ∞ is the mathematical sign (U+221E). ♾️ is the emoji “permanent paper sign” (U+267E), which Apple draws as a thick coloured loop. Use the maths sign in anything technical and keep the emoji for messages.
If Option + 5 gives another character
Layouts other than US and British place different characters on the Option layer. Check with Show Keyboard Viewer in the input menu while holding Option, or copy ∞ from the infinity symbol page. On Windows the equivalent is Alt + 236; see infinity symbol on Windows.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mac shortcut for infinity?
Option + 5 on the US and British layouts.
Is the infinity emoji the same as ∞?
No. The emoji ♾️ is U+267E; the mathematical infinity sign ∞ is U+221E.
How do I type ∞ in a Pages equation?
Choose Insert → Equation and type \infty.