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Hashtag (Number Sign) (#)
The # sign is the number sign, the pound key on phones, and — since 2007 — the hashtag that groups social media posts.
Hashtag (Number Sign) codes
| Code | Value |
|---|---|
| Unicode code point | U+0023 |
| Unicode name | Number Sign |
| HTML named entity | # |
| HTML decimal | # |
| HTML hex | # |
| CSS content code | \23 |
| JavaScript / JSON | \u0023 |
| Windows Alt code | No standard Alt code — copy it from the card above |
Hashtag (Number Sign) variants (4)
4 related glyphs — click any tile to copy it. Tiles with a page open that symbol's own page.
Meaning & usage
One symbol, three famous jobs. Before a number it means 'number' (#1 bestseller). On a phone keypad it is the pound key ('press # to continue').
And since a 2007 suggestion by Chris Messina, a # before a word makes a hashtag that groups posts by topic, from #Travel to #WorldCup. In music its lookalike ♯ means sharp, and in code # starts comments and headings — all from the same practical little grid of lines.
Examples in use
- #100DaysOfCode
- Flight #247 departs at 9:40
- Press 1 for sales, then # to confirm
How to type the hashtag (number sign)
Windows
Press Shift+3 — the Hashtag (Number Sign) is a standard keyboard character.
Mac
Press Shift+3 — the same as on Windows.
iPhone & Android
The # sign is on the symbol keyboard of every phone.
Linux
Press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 0023 and press Enter (works in most GTK apps and terminals with IBus). Or copy it from this page.
Frequently asked questions
Is # the same as the music sharp sign ♯?
They look similar but are different characters. The hashtag # has slanted vertical strokes; the sharp sign ♯ has slanted horizontal strokes. On this site, copy # here — musicians should use ♯.
Why is # called the pound sign?
In American usage # before or after a number meant pounds in weight (5# bag), and the phone key kept the name 'pound key'. In Britain the £ sign is the pound sign, and # is just 'hash'.
Why does # sometimes show as a box or question mark?
The box (called tofu) means the device or font viewing it has no drawing for U+0023 (Number Sign). The character itself is fine — try a different font or a newer device, or use one of the variants on this page.
Is the Hashtag (Number Sign) free to use?
Yes. # is a standard Unicode text character published in the Unicode Character Database. You may use it in personal and commercial documents, designs and products without permission or payment.
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Data: Unicode Character Database · Page updated 2026-11-13