How To Add plus or minus symbol in PowerPoint Presentations – Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

When you’re creating a presentation in PowerPoint, especially for subjects like math, science, finance, or engineering, you may need to insert specific mathematical symbols like the plus or minus sign (±). It’s commonly used to show margins of error, data variation, measurement tolerance, or positive and negative differences. But when you actually need it, finding the symbol quickly isn’t always straightforward.

Instead of typing “+/-” and compromising on professionalism, you can insert the correct plus or minus symbol in just a few steps. In this guide, you’ll learn why the plus minus symbol matters in presentations, quick keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac, how to use the Symbols menu, and alternative methods like copy-paste and equations. By the end, you’ll know multiple easy ways to add ± to any PowerPoint slide confidently.

Why Use the Plus Minus Symbol in PowerPoint?

The plus or minus symbol (±) may look small, but it carries powerful meaning in presentations. It helps you communicate variation, comparison, and balance instantly—without cluttering your slides with extra text.

Why Use the Plus Minus Symbol in PowerPoint?

• Show Variability Clearly – Perfect for presenting margins of error, statistical ranges, tolerances, or measurement variations (e.g., 10% ± 2%).
• Present Positive & Negative Impact Together – Useful when highlighting pros and cons, gains vs. losses, or dual outcomes in one compact visual.
• Improve Data Accuracy Representation – Common in financial, scientific, engineering, and research presentations where precision matters.
• Save Slide Space – Instead of writing “plus or minus,” the symbol keeps content concise and professional.
• Enhance Professional Credibility – Using proper symbols reflects attention to detail and subject knowledge.
• Support Comparison Slides – Ideal for performance reviews, KPI dashboards, and analytical reports.
• Increase Visual Clarity – Symbols are faster to scan than text, helping audiences grasp key points quickly.
• Maintain Design Consistency – Keeps formatting clean when presenting numerical insights or technical data.

It’s a small symbol—but when used strategically, it elevates both clarity and credibility in your PowerPoint slides.

Quick Methods to Insert the Plus or Minus Symbol in PowerPoint

Adding the plus or minus symbol (±) in PowerPoint only takes a few seconds when you know the right method. Below are simple, step-by-step instructions for both keyboard shortcuts and the Symbols menu.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts for the ± Sign

Keyboard shortcuts are the fastest way to insert the symbol for plus and minus, especially if you use them frequently in reports or data slides.

For Windows (Using Numeric Keypad)

• Step 1: Click where you want to insert the ± symbol.
• Step 2: Make sure Num Lock is turned ON.
• Step 3: Hold down the Alt key.
• Step 4: While holding Alt, type 0177 on the numeric keypad (not the number keys above the letters).
• Step 5: Release the Alt key. The ± symbol will appear instantly.

Note: These PowerPoint shortcuts work only if your keyboard has a dedicated numeric keypad.

For Mac

• Step 1: Place your cursor where you want the symbol.
• Step 2: Press Option (⌥) + Shift + = at the same time.
• Step 3: The ± symbol will appear immediately.

This shortcut works on all standard Mac keyboards.

Method 2: Accessing PowerPoint’s Symbols Menu

If your keyboard doesn’t have a numeric keypad or you prefer a manual method, use PowerPoint’s built-in Symbols menu.

• Step 1: Open your PowerPoint slide and click where you want the symbol.
• Step 2: Go to the Insert tab in the top ribbon.
• Step 3: Click on Symbol (usually on the right side of the ribbon).
• Step 4: In the Symbol dialog box, select a standard font like (Normal Text) or Calibri.
• Step 5: Scroll through the list or choose Subset: Latin-1 Supplement to find the ± symbol quickly.
• Step 6: Click the ± symbol.
• Step 7: Click Insert, then Close.

This method works on both Windows and Mac versions of PowerPoint and is ideal if shortcuts aren’t available.

Additional Methods to Insert the ± Sign in PowerPoint Presentations

If you don’t want to use shortcuts or the Symbols menu, there are simpler ways to add the ± symbol in PowerPoint. These methods are quick, beginner-friendly, and work on both Windows and Mac.

Copy and Paste Techniques for the Plus Minus Character

Copy and paste is the easiest method—no special keys or settings needed. It’s perfect if you only need the symbol occasionally.

Step 1: Copy this symbol: ±
Step 2: Open your PowerPoint slide.
Step 3: Click where you want to insert it.
Step 4: Press:

• Ctrl + V (Windows)
• Command + V (Mac)

That’s it. The symbol will appear instantly.

Tip: You can copy the ± symbol from a website, Word document, or another slide and reuse it anytime.

Creating Equation Elements and Custom Shapes with ±

If you’re working with numbers or formulas, you can insert the ± symbol using PowerPoint’s Equation tool or inside shapes for design purposes.

Method 1: Using the Equation Tool

Step 1: Click where you want the symbol.
Step 2: Go to the Insert tab.
Step 3: Click Equation.
Step 4: Type \pm and press Spacebar.

PowerPoint will automatically convert it into ±. This works on both Windows and Mac.

Method 2: Adding ± Inside a Shape

Step 1: Go to Insert → Shapes.
Step 2: Choose a shape and draw it on your slide.
Step 3: Click inside the shape.
Step 4: Insert the ± symbol using:

• Alt + 0177 (Windows with numeric keypad)
• Option + Shift + = (Mac)
• Or simply paste ±

You can resize and style it to match your slide design.

This method is great for highlighting comparisons, pros and cons, or positive and negative values visually.

Working in Google Slides? Check out our detailed list of Google Slides shortcuts to speed up editing and formatting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adding the plus or minus symbol in PowerPoint is a small skill with a big impact. It helps your data look clear, accurate, and professionally formatted. Once you know the different methods, you won’t waste time searching again. You can choose shortcuts, menu options, or simple alternatives based on your device. Mastering small details like this makes your presentations stronger and more polished.

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