How to Type ß (Sharp s (eszett)) on Microsoft Word

Published July 30, 2026, 2 min read

Typing ß (Sharp s (eszett)) on Microsoft Word takes a few seconds once you know the trick. The short answer is Ctrl+Shift+&, then S. Read on for step-by-step instructions and what to do when a method does not work.

ß on Microsoft Word: Ctrl+Shift+&, then S

Or copy it:

Method 1: Word keyboard shortcut

Press Ctrl+Shift+&, then S. Press the first combination, release, then type the letter. This works in Word for Windows and in Outlook.

Method 2: Alt+X Unicode trick

Type 00DF where you want the letter.
Press Alt+X. Word turns the code into ß.

Press Alt+X again to turn it back into the code. On a Mac, Word uses the macOS methods instead: Option+S.

Method 3: Insert Symbol

Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.
Set "from" to Unicode (hex) and type 00DF in Character code.
Click Insert. You can also assign a shortcut key here.

Method 4: Alt code

With Num Lock on, hold Alt and type 0223 on the number pad.

About the letter ß

ß is Unicode U+00DF, named LATIN SMALL LETTER SHARP S. It is used in German. See the ß character page for every code and shortcut.

Troubleshooting

Ctrl accent shortcuts are in Word for Windows. Word for Mac uses the macOS Option shortcuts.
If Alt+X converts the wrong text, select just the code first, then press Alt+X.
Change the font if the letter shows as an empty box; Calibri, Arial and Times New Roman cover common accents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut for ß on Microsoft Word?

Ctrl+Shift+&, then S.

Can I just copy and paste ß?

Yes. Click the copy button above, then paste with Ctrl+V on Windows and Chromebook, Cmd+V on a Mac, or touch and hold and choose Paste on a phone.

What is the Unicode code for ß?

U+00DF. In HTML it is ß.

Related guides

All accent shortcuts for Microsoft Word