How to type â in Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel doesn't always offer a built-in shortcut for a with circumflex (â) (â). The fastest method is to copy the character below and paste it into Microsoft Excel. We also list the Alt code, macOS Option shortcut, HTML entity and Unicode codepoint so you can pick whichever fits your workflow.
Copy â for Microsoft Excel
Paste â into Microsoft Excel
- Open the Excel workbook and select the cell where the text should go.
- On TypeKeyboard, build your text and copy it.
- Press F2 to enter edit mode, then Ctrl + V (Cmd + V on Mac) to paste.
- If a column shows ##### or boxes, widen the column and switch its font to a Unicode-complete face.
Alt code (Windows)
Alt + 0226
Hold Alt and type 0226 on the numeric keypad while Microsoft Excel is focused.
Option shortcut (macOS)
Option + i, then a
HTML entity
â
â
Unicode codepoint
U+00E2
Tip
Format the cell as Text before pasting if Excel keeps interpreting your input as a formula or number.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to type â in Microsoft Excel?
Click Copy above and paste it into Microsoft Excel. The character is already in the right encoding and works in any version of Microsoft Excel.
Does Microsoft Excel have a built-in shortcut for â?
Sometimes. Microsoft Excel on Windows accepts the Alt code below; macOS users can use the Option shortcut. If neither is convenient, copy-paste is universal.
Why does â sometimes show as a box in Microsoft Excel?
The font in your Microsoft Excel document doesn't include â. Switch to a Unicode-complete font such as Noto, Arial Unicode MS or Segoe UI.
Can I add â to autocorrect in Microsoft Excel?
Yes. Most desktop versions of Microsoft Excel include an autocorrect / quick-replace feature. Add a short trigger string (e.g. "xa-circumflex") that expands to â.