Diameter Symbol Shortcut Key: Easy Ways to Type It Anywhere

Ever seen that circle with a line through it? That’s the diameter symbol (Ø). Math folks use it. So do engineers. And designers too.

Need to type it in Word? Or AutoCAD? Maybe Excel? Even just a quick note about pipe size? You’ll use this symbol a lot.

But here’s the thing. It’s not on your keyboard. Kinda annoying, right?

Good news though! You can make it appear. Just use a simple shortcut. Takes like two seconds.

This guide shows you how. All the easy ways. For Windows. Mac. Word. Excel. AutoCAD. Even your phone. Simple stuff. Clear steps. Quick results.

Let’s start with what this symbol is. Then we’ll go step by step.

What Is the Diameter Symbol (Ø)?

The diameter symbol shows how wide a circle is. You see it before numbers. Like this: Ø25 mm. Or Ø3 inches. That means the circle is 25 millimeters wide. Or 3 inches wide.

Engineers love this symbol. You’ll see it in drawings. Building plans too. Math class? Yep, it’s there.

Examples:

• Pipe: Ø100 mm
  
• Hole size: Ø5 mm
  
• Circle formula: D = 2r
  

Looks like a zero with a slash, right? Or an O with a line? But it’s its own thing. Not the same as zero.

Why You Need Shortcut Keys

Copy and paste every time? That gets old fast. Shortcuts save time. Make work easier.

Why use shortcuts:
• Save time on reports
• Keep format looking good
• Works in many programs
• Looks pro

You use Word? Excel? AutoCAD? Know these shortcuts. Trust me. Helps a lot.

Diameter Symbol Shortcut Key on Windows

Here’s the Windows way. Super easy.

Using Alt Code (most people use this):

1. Turn on Num Lock. You know, that key.
   
2. Hold down the Alt key. Keep holding.
   
3. Type 0216 on number pad. The one on the right.
   
4. Let go of Alt. Boom! You get Ø.
   

That’s it. Done.

So remember:

• Alt + 0216 = Ø (big one)
  
• Alt + 0248 = ø (small one)
  

Example:
Type “Pipe Ø50 mm” easy.

Heads up: Use the number pad on the right. Top row numbers? Won’t work. Has to be the pad.

Diameter Symbol Shortcut Key on Mac

Mac users, you’re covered too.

Here’s how:
Hold Option (⌥) + Shift + O

Bam! You get Ø right away.

Want the small one (ø)?
Hold Option (⌥) + O

Example:
Type “Hole Ø10 mm” in seconds.

Easy for Mac folks. Quick too.

Diameter Symbol in Microsoft Word

Words give you lots of ways. Pick what works.

Method 1: Alt Code (Windows only)
Same as before:
Hold Alt + type 0216 = Ø

Method 2: Insert Menu

1. Click Insert up top.
   
2. Click Symbol on the right.
   
3. Pick More Symbols.
   
4. Find Ø in the list. Click it.
   
5. Hit Insert.
   

Once you use it? Word saves it. Easy to find next time.

Method 3: AutoCorrect Shortcut
Type it a lot? Make it automatic.

1. Go to File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options.
   
2. In “Replace,” type something. Like “/o” or “diam.”
   
3. In “With,” paste Ø.
   
4. Click Add. Then OK.
   

Now type “/o” and Word changes it to Ø. Magic!

Diameter Symbl in Excel

Excel works the same way. Easy stuff.

Option 1: Alt Code
Hold Alt + 0216. Get Ø in your cell.

Option 2: Just Copy and Paste
Copy Ø from anywhere. Paste in Excel. Done.

Option 3: CHAR Function
Like formulas? Use this:
=CHAR(216)

Shows Ø in the cell.

Example:
Type =”Pipe “&CHAR(216)&”25”
You get: Pipe Ø25

Diameter Symbol in PowerPoint

PowerPoint? Same shortcuts as Word.

Steps:

• Press Alt + 0216 (Windows)
  
• Or Option + Shift + O (Mac)
  
• Or use Insert → Symbol
  

Works in shapes. Labels. Text boxes. Anywhere.

Diameter Symbol in AutoCAD

AutoCAD uses this symbol tons. Here’s the quick way.

Shortcut in AutoCAD:
Type %%c and hit space. Or enter.

Example:
Text command → %%c25 → Shows as Ø25

That’s how engineers do it. Official way.

Other ways:

• Copy and paste Ø from notepad
  
• Use Alt + 0216 if your text box lets you
  

AutoCAD changes %%c to the symbol. Even when you print. Nice!

Diameter Symbol on Android Phones

Need Ø on your phone? Easy.

Steps:

1. Hold down the letter O.
   
2. A menu pops up.
   
3. Slide to pick Ø or ø.
   

Works in texts. Notes. Apps. Anywhere.

Diameter Symbol on iPhone or iPad

Apple makes it easy too.

Steps:

1. Press and hold O.
   
2. Pick Ø or ø from the popup.
   

Use it in messages. Notes. Safari. Wherever.

Diameter Symbol in Google Docs

Google Docs has its own way.

Steps:

1. Go to Insert → Special Characters.
   
2. Type “diameter” in the search.
   
3. Click Ø to add it.
   

Or just use Alt + 0216 (Windows). Or Option + Shift + O (Mac). Both work.

Diameter Symbol in Engineering Software

Use SolidWorks? Fusion 360? Revit? They all have it.

Look for “Insert Symbol” or “Dimension Text.” Most let you type %%c like AutoCAD.

Example:
Type “Hole %%c10” → Becomes “Hole Ø10”

Also Read: Symbol Style Name Ideas: Cool, Creative, and Fun Ways to Stand Out

Diameter Symbol in Unicode

For coders out there:

• Ø is U+00D8 (big one)
  
• ø is U+00F8 (small one)
  

HTML? Use these:

• Ø → Shows Ø
  
• ø → Shows ø
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don’t mix it up with zero (0)
   Looks similar. But different. Ø has a slash.
   
2. Check your font
   Some fonts don’t show Ø right. Try Arial. Or Calibri. Times New Roman works too.
   
3. Skip random copy-paste
   Can mess up your format. Use shortcuts instead.
   
4. Turn on Num Lock
   Alt method not working? Check Num Lock. Has to be on.
   

Quick Reference Table

All shortcuts. One place. Easy to find.

When to Use the Diameter Symbol

Not just for engineers. You might use it for:
• Pipe sizes (Ø100 mm)
• Hole sizes (Ø5 mm)
• Tech papers
• Math homework
• Drawings

Even usernames. Or art. Why not?

Extra Tip: Quick Access in Word

Use Word a lot? Add Ø to your toolbar:

1. Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.
   
2. Pick Ø and click Add to Quick Access Toolbar.
   
3. Now it’s one click away. Always.
   

Practice Example

Try these:
• Alt + 0216 = Ø
• Hole size: Ø8 mm
• Pipe: Ø100 x 20 mm
• Bolt holes: 4 holes Ø12 mm

Do it a few times. It gets easy fast.

The diameter symbol (Ø) seems tricky at first. But now you know the shortcuts. It’s simple.

Alt + 0216 on Windows. Option + Shift + O on Mac. %%c in AutoCAD. Hold O on phones.

No more wasting time. No more copying. No more searching.

Writing a report? Doing math? Making blueprints? This little symbol makes your work look good. Real good.

Try it now. Pick your shortcut. Practice a bit. Soon you’ll type Ø like a pro.