How to Type an Upside-Down Question Mark (¿) on Any Device

The upside-down question mark (¿) is an essential punctuation mark in Spanish and other languages that use inverted punctuation.

The inverted question mark (¿) is used at the beginning of interrogative sentences in Spanish and some other languages. It signals that the sentence is a question from the very start, making it easier to read and understand.

Example:

• ¿Cómo estás? (How are you?)
• ¿Dónde vives? (Where do you live?)

Most keyboards, especially those for English users, don’t have a dedicated ¿ key. However, you can still type it using shortcuts or special character tools.

How to Type ¿ on Windows

Windows users have multiple ways to type the upside-down question mark.

Using Alt Codes (Numeric Keypad Required)

1. Turn on Num Lock on your keyboard.
2. Hold Alt and type 0191 on the numeric keypad.
3. Release the Alt key, and ¿ will appear.

Alternative Alt Code: Alt + 168

Using a Spanish Keyboard Layout

1. Switch to the Spanish keyboard layout (Press Win + Space).
2. Press Shift + ?, and it will type ¿.

Using Windows Emoji Keyboard

1. Press Win + . (Windows + period).
2. Click Symbols → Punctuation → Select ¿.

How to Type ¿ on Mac

Mac users can easily insert the ¿ symbol with a simple shortcut.

Using a Keyboard Shortcut

• Press Option + Shift + ? (⌥ + ⇧ + ?)
• The ¿ symbol will appear.

Using Character Viewer

1. Press Control + Command + Spacebar to open Character Viewer.
2. Search for ¿ and insert it.

How to Type ¿ on Linux

Linux users can enter the ¿ symbol in multiple ways.

Using Unicode Input

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + U.
2. Type 00BF, then press Enter to get ¿.

Using the Compose Key

1. Enable Compose Key in Keyboard Settings.
2. Type: Compose + ? + ? → ¿

How to Type ¿ on Mobile Devices (Android & iPhone)

On Android

1. Open the keyboard in any app.
2. Press and hold the ? key.
3. Select ¿ from the pop-up options.

On iPhone/iPad

1. Open the keyboard.
2. Press and hold the ? key.
3. Choose ¿ from the list.

How to Copy and Paste the Upside-Down Question Mark

If you’re unable to type the ¿ symbol, you can simply copy and paste it:

• Copy this: ¿
• Paste it using Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac).

Using Character Map and Special Characters

If your keyboard doesn’t support the ¿ symbol, use special character tools:

• Windows: Open Character Map (charmap), search for ¿, and copy it.
• Mac: Use Character Viewer (Control + Command + Spacebar).

Typing ¿ in Microsoft Word and Google Docs

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

• Windows: Alt + 0191
• Mac: Option + Shift + ?

Method 2: Using Insert Symbol

1. Open Word or Google Docs.
2. Click Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.
3. Select ¿ and insert it.

How to Use Unicode for the Upside-Down Question Mark

The Unicode for the ¿ symbol is U+00BF. It can be used in programming and text editors:

• Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00BF, then press Enter.
• Mac Terminal: Run echo -e '\u00BF'.

Typing ¿ in HTML and CSS

HTML Code:

¡

or

¿

CSS Styling Example:

.symbol::after {
    content: "\00BF"; /* ¿ */
}

How to Customize Keyboard Shortcuts for the ¿ Symbol

• Windows: Use AutoHotkey to create a custom shortcut.
• Mac: Go to System Preferences → Keyboard → Shortcuts and set a new shortcut.

FAQs About Typing the Upside-Down Question Mark

1. Why is the upside-down question mark used in Spanish?

It helps readers identify questions before finishing the sentence, making comprehension easier.

2. Can I type the upside-down question mark in Excel?

Yes, use Alt + 0191 (Windows) or Option + Shift + ? (Mac).

3. How do I type the upside-down question mark in a text document?

Use keyboard shortcuts, character maps, or copy-paste methods.

4. How do I add the upside-down question mark in programming?

Use Unicode \u00BF in JavaScript, Java, or Python.