To insert an em dash in Word, use a keyboard shortcut, choose the character from the Symbol menu, or let Word replace two hyphens automatically. The fastest method depends on your device.
The character you want looks like this: —. In most American English writing, an em dash appears without spaces on either side.
Em Dash in Word: Fastest Shortcuts for Windows and Mac
On a Windows computer with a numeric keypad, place your cursor where you want the dash and use either shortcut:
- Press Ctrl+Alt+- using the numeric keypad’s minus key.
- Hold Alt and type 0151 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
Do not use the number row for the Alt code. The 0151 method requires Num Lock and a separate numeric keypad, so it may not work on a compact laptop.
On a Mac, press Option+Shift+-. This em dash shortcut in Word works in a document, text box, and most other editable Word areas.
If your keyboard lacks a numeric keypad, use the Symbol menu, AutoFormat, or copy and paste this character: —. After inserting it, check that the result is one long dash rather than two hyphens.
Insert an Em Dash from Word’s Symbol Menu
The Symbol menu works on Windows and Mac and does not require special keyboard keys. It is also a reliable fallback when a shortcut does not work.
- Place the cursor in your document.
- Open the Insert tab and select Symbol, then More Symbols.
- Open the Special Characters tab.
- Select Em Dash and click Insert.
- Close the dialog when you finish.
Word inserts the actual em dash character, so you can use it immediately in a sentence. If you use the menu often, assign a custom shortcut from this same dialog.
Use AutoFormat or a Custom Shortcut
Word can convert two hyphens into an em dash as you type. Enter two hyphens between words without spaces, such as She paused–then continued. When AutoFormat is enabled, Word changes the pair to She paused—then continued.
To check this setting in Windows, open File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Select AutoFormat As You Type, then enable Hyphens (–) with dash (—). On Mac, open Word > Preferences > AutoCorrect and look for the equivalent AutoFormat option.
For a reusable custom shortcut, open Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, select Em Dash, and choose Shortcut Key. Enter an unused key combination, select Assign, and close the dialogs. Choose a shortcut that does not replace an existing Word command.
Em Dash, En Dash, and Hyphen Differences
These marks have different lengths and jobs:
- Em dash (—): the longest mark. Use it to show a break, interruption, or added thought—like this.
- En dash (–): shorter than an em dash. Use it for ranges, such as pages 10–15, or relationships, such as New York–London flight.
- Hyphen (-): the shortest mark. Use it to join compound words, such as well-known or Word-based.
If your inserted mark looks noticeably longer than a hyphen and matches —, you have the correct character.