How to Type Infinity Symbol (∞) on Keyboard, Word, and Mac

The infinity symbol (∞) is widely used in mathematics, science, and even creative writing to represent a value without end. But typing this elegant little symbol isn’t so obvious, especially since it doesn’t appear on most physical keyboards.

If you’ve ever wondered how to type infinity symbol on your keyboard or how to insert it in Word, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re writing equations, editing a thesis, or formatting a report, this guide will walk you through several easy ways to insert the ∞ symbol, including:

Using shortcuts and Alt codes on Windows and Mac
Inserting the infinity symbol in Microsoft Word
Copying and pasting the symbol when you’re in a hurry
Setting up your own AutoCorrect shortcut
Typing it in Google Docs and Excel

We’ll also give you a handy copy button and a quick-access symbol table so you can grab the infinity sign anytime you need it.

Let’s dive in.

🔢 Infinity Symbol Quick Reference Table

If you’re short on time or want a quick overview, this table shows how to type or insert the infinity symbol (∞) across different platforms and applications. Whether you’re using Word, Excel, Google Docs, or just your keyboard, this table has you covered.

Platform	Method	Shortcut / Code	Works In
Windows	Unicode Shortcut	`221E`, then `Alt + X`	Word, Outlook only
Windows	Alt Code (NumPad required)	`Alt + 236`	Most apps (Excel, Notepad, etc.)
Mac	Character Viewer	Insert manually	Word, Pages, Numbers
Word	Insert > Symbol Dialog	Select from list	Word only
Excel	Insert > Symbol	Same steps as in Word	Excel
Excel	Formula	`=UNICHAR(8734)`	Excel (for display only)
Google Docs	Special Characters Tool	Search “infinity”	Google Docs
Any Platform	Copy & Paste	`∞`	Universal

💬 Note: The Alt Code 236 and Unicode 221E both represent the infinity symbol, but only the Alt code works system-wide. Use the Unicode shortcut (Alt+X) in Word or Outlook.

Want to skip the shortcuts and codes? Here’s a one-click way to grab it:

∞

🧩 Method 1: Insert the Infinity Symbol in Word Using the Symbol Dialog

This is the easiest and most visual method, especially if you’re not a fan of keyboard shortcuts or don’t use the symbol often.

Follow these steps:

Open your Word document and place the cursor where you want to insert the infinity symbol (∞).
Go to the Insert tab in the top ribbon.
On the right side, click the Symbol drop-down.
Then click More Symbols… at the bottom of the list.
In the Symbol dialog box, do the following:
- In the Font drop-down, choose either (normal text) or a font like Cambria Math.
- In the Subset drop-down (top-right), select Mathematical Operators.
Scroll through the symbols until you see the infinity symbol (∞).
Click the symbol to highlight it, then click the Insert button.
Click Close to exit the dialog box.

✅ Quick Tip: You can also double-click the infinity symbol in the list to insert it instantly without pressing Insert.

🧩 Method 2: Type the Infinity Symbol in Word Using the Unicode Shortcut

If you prefer using the keyboard and want to insert the infinity symbol quickly without opening menus, Word has a built-in Unicode shortcut just for you.

Here’s how to use it:

Click in your Word document where you want the ∞ symbol to appear.
Type the Unicode for the infinity symbol:
221E
(Don’t press Enter or Space yet—just type the numbers.)
Now press:
Alt + X
(Hold the Alt key and press X.)
As soon as you do, the code will convert into the ∞ symbol.

That’s it!

🎯 When to Use This Method:
Use this method if you’re comfortable typing and want a fast way to insert the symbol without opening the symbol dialog box. It’s ideal for Word and Outlook, but it won’t work in Excel, Google Docs, or browsers.

🔐 Note: This method only works in Microsoft Word and Outlook—it does not work in Notepad, Excel, or other applications.

🧩 Method 3: Type the Infinity Symbol Using the Alt Code (Windows Keyboard)

This method uses a special code known as an Alt Code, and it works in many Windows programs like Excel, Notepad, browsers, and even Word.

Here’s how to do it:

Click where you want to insert the infinity symbol (∞).
Make sure Num Lock is turned on.
(This is required to use the numeric keypad.)
Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard.
While holding Alt, type 236 on the numeric keypad.
Release the Alt key.

The infinity symbol ∞ should now appear.

✅ Important Notes:

This method requires a numeric keypad (usually found on the right side of full-size keyboards).
On a laptop, you may need to use the Fn key to activate your hidden number pad (often embedded in the letter keys).

🎯 When to Use This Method:
This is the best method when you’re working outside Word—like in Excel, Notepad, or your web browser. It’s universal for Windows users who have a number pad.

🧩 Method 4: Copy and Paste the Infinity Symbol

If you just need the infinity symbol (∞) quickly and don’t want to memorize shortcuts or hunt through menus, the easiest solution is to copy and paste it.

Copy it here:

∞

Once copied, you can paste it (Ctrl + V) into Word, Google Docs, Excel, emails—anywhere you want.

🧩 Method 5: Use AutoCorrect in Word to Insert the Infinity Symbol

If you often type the infinity symbol (∞), setting up a custom AutoCorrect entry in Word can save you time. Once configured, Word will automatically replace a shortcut like INFSYM with ∞ every time you type it.

✅ Why Use This?

You don’t have to memorize codes.
It works instantly while typing.
Perfect for repetitive use in technical, mathematical, or educational documents.

🛠️ Steps to Set It Up:

Open Microsoft Word and go to the Insert tab.
Click Symbol → More Symbols.
In the Symbol window:
- Set Font to (normal text) or Cambria Math.
- Set Subset to Mathematical Operators.
- Scroll and select the ∞ Infinity symbol.
Click the AutoCorrect… button.
In the Replace field, type a shortcut—e.g., INFSYM.
In the With field, the infinity symbol (∞) should already appear.
- If not, type 221E and press Alt + X, or paste ∞.
Click Add, then OK to save and exit.

Now, whenever you type INFSYM followed by a space or punctuation, Word will automatically replace it with ∞.

🔔 A Few Notes:

AutoCorrect is case-sensitive: INFSYM works, but infsym won’t.
Add a space before your shortcut, e.g., X INFSYM, not XINFSYM, or it won’t trigger.

🎯 When to Use This Method:
This is ideal if you type the infinity symbol regularly and want a fast, personalized shortcut that works without leaving the keyboard or opening menus.

🎁 Bonus: How to Insert the Infinity Symbol in Google Docs and on Mac

🔹 In Google Docs (via Special Characters Tool)

Google Docs doesn’t support Word-style shortcuts or Alt codes, but it offers an easy way to insert symbols using the built-in Special Characters tool.

Steps:

Open your document in Google Docs.
Click Insert > Special characters.
In the dialog that appears:
- Search for “infinity” in the search box.
- Or, draw the symbol in the drawing pad if you don’t know its name.
Click the ∞ symbol from the list to insert it into your document.

✅ Tip: Recently used symbols appear at the top for easy re-insertion next time.

🔹 On Mac (All Apps, Including Word & Pages)

There’s no dedicated keyboard shortcut for the infinity symbol on a Mac, but you can easily insert it using the Character Viewer.

Steps:

Place your cursor where you want the symbol.
Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer.
In the search box, type infinity.
Click the ∞ symbol to insert it into your document.

✅ Tip: You can favorite it for quick access by clicking Add to Favorites.

🎯 When to Use These Methods:

If you’re not using Windows.
If you’re working in cloud-based tools like Google Docs.
If you prefer a visual symbol picker instead of shortcuts or codes.

✅ Conclusion

Typing the infinity symbol (∞) doesn’t have to feel like chasing the impossible. Whether you’re using Word, Google Docs, Mac, or Windows, there’s a method that suits every workflow—be it a quick shortcut like Alt + 236, a Unicode entry like 221E + Alt + X, or a simple copy-paste.

If you frequently use the symbol, setting up an AutoCorrect entry or saving it to your favorites in Mac’s Character Viewer can save you time long-term.

No matter the platform, you now have multiple ways to type, insert, or copy the infinity sign whenever you need it—without frustration.

If you found this guide helpful, let me know in the comments or share it with someone who might need it. ∞