Also called a hash, number sign, or pound sign, the octothorpe is the typographical symbol “#” (two horizontal lines and two vertical lines, crossed).

On US QWERTY keyboards, the # symbol appears on the same key as the number 3. It can be typed by holding Shift and pressing 3 on the keyboard.

Where is the hash key on the keyboard?

Below is an overview of a computer keyboard with the hash key highlighted in blue.

  • Where is the hash key on the keyboard?
  • How to create the hash symbol.
  • How is the hash symbol used on a computer?
  • Related information.
  • Keyboard help and support.

How to create the hash symbol

Creating the # symbol on a U.S. keyboard

To create the hash symbol using a U.S. keyboard on a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer, hold down Shift and press the number 3 at the top of the keyboard.

Creating the # symbol on a smartphone or tablet

To create a hash on an Android smartphone or tablet, iPhone, or iPad, access the on-screen keyboard, access the numbers (123) section, and then the (#+=) or symbols (sym) section. Press your finger on the # symbol.

Doing the Alt code Alt+35 can also create a hash.

Creating the # symbol on keyboards outside of the U.S.

Computer users in other parts of the world, such as Italy can find the # symbol on a different key. In the picture below is a keyboard key with the # symbol on the same key as the à and ° key. To use this key hold down Alt and press the key.

How is the hash symbol used on a computer?

Below are examples of what uses the pound symbol on a computer.

  • Indicates that the number it precedes is an ordinal (e.g., “#1” for “number one,” meaning “first” or “best”).
  • In hashtags (e.g., #computer).
  • In Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet programs when the cell is not wide enough to show the full number.
  • In programming to identify a nonexecutable statement.
  • In IRC chat an identifier of a channel. For example, #computerhope is the Computer Hope chat channel.

Keyboard terms, Number key

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  • Keyboard help and support.