How to Type Eszett (ß) on Any Device
Instant one-click copy, complete keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac, Microsoft Word Alt+X conversion, mobile keypad methods, and developer code entities.
Eszett
One-click clipboard copy, complete keyboard shortcuts, and developer codes below.
Quick Reference Matrix
Instant shortcuts for every operating system and office application.
| Platform | Shortcut / Method | Action |
|---|---|---|
WinWindows | Alt + 0223 | |
macOSMac | Option + S | |
WordMicrosoft Word | 00DF, Alt+X (type code, press Alt+X) | |
DocsGoogle Docs | Insert → Special characters → search “sharp s” | |
WebHTML Entity | ß | |
HexUnicode Codepoint | U+00DF | |
iOSiPhone & iPad | Copy ß above | |
PhoneAndroid | Copy ß above | |
LinuxLinux | Ctrl+Shift+U, 00DF |
How to Type Eszett on Windows
Compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10, and earlier editions
Method 1: Numeric Keypad Alt Code
- Verify that Num Lock is enabled on your keyboard (a status light usually indicates this).
- Press and hold the Alt key (either left or right Alt).
- While holding Alt, type the code 0223 on the separate numeric keypad on the right.
- Release the Alt key. The character ß will appear immediately.
Method 2: Windows Emoji & Symbol Panel
Press Windows + . (period) or Windows + ; (semicolon) to open the native Windows Symbol Palette. Select the Symbols tab (the omega icon Ω), then click ß to insert it into any application.
Method 3: On Laptops Without a Number Pad
If your laptop lacks a dedicated physical numeric keypad, turn on the virtual numeric keypad by pressing Fn + NumLk, or open the On-Screen Keyboard by typing osk in the Windows search bar. Alternatively, click the Copy ß button at the top of this guide.
How to Type Eszett on Mac (macOS)
Tested on macOS Sequoia 15, Sonoma 14, and Ventura 13
Method 1: Direct Keyboard Shortcut
Hold Option + S simultaneously on your Mac keyboard. The symbol ß will be inserted immediately.
Method 2: macOS Character Viewer (Emoji & Symbols)
- Press Control + Command + Space in any text field to invoke the Character Viewer.
- Type "Eszett" or the hex code
U+00DFin the top search bar. - Double-click the ß symbol to insert it at your cursor position.
In Microsoft Word & Google Docs
Document formatting and special character tools
Microsoft Word: The Alt+X Hex Shortcut
Word supports instant hexadecimal Unicode conversion:
- Type the hexadecimal code
00DFinto your Word document. - Immediately press Alt + X without adding a space.
- Word will automatically convert
00DFinto ß.
Google Docs: Special Characters Palette
In Google Docs, go to Insert → Special characters. In the search box on the right, type "Eszett", or draw the symbol in the sketch box. Clicking the symbol inserts it into your document.
On iPhone, iPad & Android
Touchscreen keyboard tips and text replacement
iOS (iPhone & iPad)
Tap the copy button on this page to copy ß directly to your iOS clipboard. For accented letters or numbers, press and hold the base key on your virtual keyboard until the flyout menu appears, then slide your thumb onto ß.
Android (Gboard & Samsung Keyboard)
Switch to the symbol keyboard by tapping ?123 and then =\< to locate ß. You can also add ß to your personal keyboard dictionary under Settings → System → Languages & input → Personal dictionary.
For Developers: HTML, CSS & Code Snippets
Unicode codepoints, entities, and programming escapes
ßßcontent: "\DF";"\u{00DF}""\u00DF"U+00DFAbout Eszett (ß)
History, typographic usage standards, and Unicode block
Eszett (ß, U+00DF) is the German sharp s in Straße and Fuß — never a beta (β), though they look alike. A capital form ẞ (U+1E9E) joined Unicode in 2017 for all-caps text; everywhere else, ss remains the valid fallback when ß is unavailable.
In standard typography and document styling, symbols and accents should adhere to standard spacing guidelines. When typing numbers or equations, avoid confusing lookalike characters (such as confusing the letter "x" with the true multiplication operator "×", or using a degree symbol "°" in place of a superscript zero "⁰").
Official Unicode Reference:
Registered as LATIN SMALL LETTER SHARP S at codepoint U+00DF within the Unicode Standard. Consult the official Unicode Latin-1 Supplement specification chart (PDF via unicode.org).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about typing and formatting Eszett
What is the fastest way to copy the Eszett (ß)?
Click the large green "Copy ß" button at the very top of this page. It immediately places the symbol onto your clipboard so you can paste it anywhere using Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (Mac).
What is the Windows Alt code for ß?
The Windows Alt code is Alt + 0223. Make sure your Num Lock is turned on and type 0223 on the 10-key numeric keypad while holding Alt.
How do I type ß on a Mac?
Press Option + S anywhere on macOS to produce ß.
How do I type ß in Microsoft Word?
Type the code 00DF into Word and immediately press Alt + X. Word will instantly convert the code into the symbol ß.
Want to type more accented letters?
Use our Accent Letter Typer — an interactive builder with 80+ accented characters, language filters (French, Spanish, German, Polish…), Alt codes, Mac shortcuts, and a live compose tray.
Looking for a different character?
Search all symbols, accents, arrows, and alt codes in the live interactive picker.
Last verified Sep 9, 2026 by Dr. Julian Vance · Tested on Windows 11 24H2 & macOS 15.1 · Editorial Methodology