How to Type an En Dash
The en dash (–) is used for ranges (2020–2025), scores (Red Sox 4–3 Yankees), and compound modifiers. Slightly longer than a hyphen, shorter than an em dash.
Quick Reference
Windows
Hold Alt and type 0150 on the numeric keypad.
Alt + 0150
Mac
Press Option + - (minus/hyphen key).
Option + -
Linux
Press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 2013, press Enter.
Ctrl + Shift + U, 2013, Enter
HTML
Use the HTML entity – or numeric –.
– or –
When to Use an En Dash
The en dash is primarily used to indicate ranges of numbers, dates, or times. It can also connect terms in a compound adjective when one element is already hyphenated or made of two words.
- Date ranges: January–March 2025
- Time ranges: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Number ranges: pages 10–15
- Scores: Final score was 3–2
- Compound modifiers: a New York–based company
En Dash vs. Hyphen vs. Em Dash
Hyphen (-): Used for compound words (e.g., well-known, mother-in-law)
En dash (–): Used for ranges and connections (e.g., 2020–2025, Chicago–New York)
Em dash (—): Used for breaks in thought or parenthetical phrases—like this
Technical Details
Unicode: U+2013
HTML Entity: –
HTML Decimal: –
Alt Code (Windows): Alt + 0150
Name: EN DASH