Formatting Issues

How to Insert the Section Symbol (§) in Microsoft Word

Natalie Taylor Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to insert the section symbol (§) into a document and wants to know how to locate it or assign a custom keyboard shortcut if it is not immediately visible.

How to Insert the Section Symbol (§) in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Adding specialized formatting characters, such as the section symbol, to a legal or academic document.
Observed behavior: The section symbol does not exist on a standard keyboard layout and must be inserted manually via menus, character codes, or shortcuts.

Before you start

Ensure your cursor is placed exactly where you want the section symbol to appear in your document before opening the symbol menus.

Solution 1Recommended

Insert the Section Symbol via the Symbol Dialog

Use the built-in Symbol menu and specific character codes to locate and insert the section sign (§).

The section symbol is supported by almost all standard fonts, but finding it in the visual grid can be tedious. Using the specific character code instantly highlights the correct symbol.

Open the Symbol Menu

Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the Word ribbon, click on 'Symbol' on the far right, and select 'More Symbols' from the dropdown menu.

Locate the Symbol via Code

In the Symbol dialog box, ensure the 'from' dropdown is set to 'ASCII (decimal)'. Type '167' into the Character code box.

Insert the Symbol

The section symbol (§) will be highlighted. Click the 'Insert' button, then click 'Close'.

Insert the Section Symbol via the Symbol Dialog

Alternative Location: You can also find the section symbol by switching to the 'Special Characters' tab within the same Symbol dialog box.

Solution 2

Assign a Custom Keyboard Shortcut

Create a personalized keyboard combination to insert the section symbol instantly without navigating through menus.

Insert the Section Symbol Easily in WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers a highly intuitive interface for document creation, making it incredibly simple to insert special characters like the section symbol (§). It is fully compatible with Microsoft Word documents and provides all the professional formatting tools you need in a lightweight application.

1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your document in WPS Writer.
2. Navigate to Symbols: Click on the 'Insert' tab in the top ribbon and click the 'Symbol' button.
3. Find the Section Symbol: Select 'More Symbols' and look for the section sign (§), or switch to the 'Special Characters' tab to locate it instantly.
4. Insert or Assign Shortcut: Click 'Insert' to add it to your text, or use the 'Shortcut keys' option to map it to a specific key combination.

Easily access and insert special characters and symbolsAssign custom keyboard shortcuts for faster document draftingSeamless and complete compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsLightweight, fast, and free to use

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Alt code for the section symbol?

If you have a numeric keypad, you can insert the section symbol (§) by holding down the 'Alt' key and typing '0167' or '21' on the numeric pad, then releasing the Alt key.

Why can I not find the section symbol in my current font?

While the section symbol is available in most standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman, some decorative or specialized fonts may lack it. Try changing the font dropdown in the Symbol menu to '(normal text)' to find it.

Is there a default keyboard shortcut for the section symbol on a Mac?

Yes. If you are using Microsoft Word on macOS, you can quickly insert the section symbol by pressing 'Option + 6' on your keyboard.

Document & File Issues