How do you type a tilde (~)?
On UK QWERTY it is Shift with the # key, next to Enter. On US QWERTY it is Shift + `; on US-International the same, followed by a space.
The little wave means "about" (~ 20 minutes) and shows up in some web addresses.
The keys on each keyboard
Belgian AZERTY (Windows)
- ~
- AltGr+=thenSpace
Belgian AZERTY (Mac)
- ~
- Option+NthenSpace
US QWERTY
- ~
- Shift+`
US International
- ~
- Shift+`thenSpace
UK QWERTY (Windows)
- ~
- Shift+#
UK QWERTY (Mac)
- ~
- Shift+`
Try it on your own keyboard
With an Alt code
On Windows with a numeric keypad: hold Alt, type 126 on the numeric keypad and let go of Alt. Then ~ appears.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the tilde only appear after a space?
Because on some layouts it is a dead key, waiting for a letter to make ñ or õ. A space gives the tilde itself.
Never hunt for a key again
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