How to type → on Windows
The fastest method on a full-size keyboard is the Alt code Alt+26.
- Make sure Num Lock is on.
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type 26 on the numeric keypad (the number row will not work).
- Release Alt. The right arrow symbol → appears.
No numeric keypad?
Press Win+. to open the emoji panel, choose the Symbols tab (Ω) and search for "right arrow". Or open Character Map from the Start menu, find →, click Select, then Copy.
How to type → on a Mac
There is no direct keyboard shortcut for → on a Mac.
For any symbol, the Character Viewer works: press Control+⌘+Space, type "right arrow" in the search box and double-click the result. It will be remembered under Frequently Used.
How to type → on iPhone and iPad
The iOS keyboard does not include →, so the reliable way is to copy it from this page, then press and hold in any text field and tap Paste.
If you use it often, create a shortcut: open Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement, paste → in the Phrase field and type a short code such as ;right in the Shortcut field. Typing that code will then insert → anywhere.
How to type → on Android
Copy the symbol from this page, then long-press in a text field and choose Paste. Gboard also keeps a clipboard history: tap the clipboard icon on the toolbar to paste it again later.
For a permanent shortcut, open Gboard settings → Dictionary → Personal dictionary, add → as the word and a short code as the shortcut.
How to type → in Microsoft Word
- Type the Unicode hex code 2192 where you want the symbol.
- Press Alt+X. Word converts the code into →.
This works on Windows in Word, Outlook and OneNote and needs no numeric keypad. You can also go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols, set the font to a Unicode font and type 2192 in the Character code box. In Excel, the formula =UNICHAR(8594) returns the symbol.
How to type → in Google Docs
Open Insert → Special characters, then either search for "right arrow" or draw the symbol in the sketch box. Click the result to insert it. In Google Sheets, use =CHAR(8594).
→ in HTML, CSS and code
| Format | Code |
|---|---|
| HTML entity | → |
| HTML decimal | → |
| HTML hex | → |
CSS content | "\2192" |
| JavaScript | "\u2192" |
| Python | "\u2192" |
| LaTeX | \rightarrow |
| URL encoded | %E2%86%92 |
Because → is a standard Unicode character (U+2192), you can also paste it directly into any UTF-8 file. The escaped forms above are only needed when the file encoding is uncertain or the symbol must be entered on a keyboard without it.
Where the right arrow symbol is used
It appears in math and logic to show implication or function mapping, like "x → 2x", and in everyday writing for steps or transitions, like "Start → Finish" or "Mon → Fri". It's also common in flowcharts and menus, such as "File → Save". Don't confuse it with the em dash (—), which separates clauses instead of showing direction.
Frequently asked questions
What does the right arrow mean in math? +
In math, → often shows a function's mapping (f: x → y) or logical implication (if A → B, then B follows from A).
What does → mean in texting or chat? +
In casual messages, → usually shows sequence or cause and effect, like "study → good grades," or points to the next item in a list.
What is the Alt code for the right arrow symbol? +
The Alt code for → is Alt+26. Hold Alt, type 26 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
How do I type → on a Mac? +
There is no dedicated Mac shortcut for →. Open the Character Viewer with Control + Command + Space, search for "right arrow", and double-click it. Or copy it from this page.
How do I type the right arrow symbol on iPhone or Android? +
Phone keyboards do not include → by default. Copy it from this page and paste it, or add it as a text replacement shortcut in Settings so you can type it with a short abbreviation.
What is the HTML code for →? +
Use → in HTML. The numeric form → works too. In CSS use content: "\2192" and in JavaScript use "\u2192".