Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Entering a "Slashed Zero" in Your Document.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 26, 2022)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Word in Microsoft 365
For some editing purposes, you may have a need to use a "slashed zero" in your documents. You know—these are the zeros that have a slash through them. They are often used in technical documents to differentiate the zero from the capital letter O.
If you have a need to use this character, you have two choices. First, you can find a font that actually uses the slashed zero in it. If you use this character a lot, this is probably the best long-term solution. If you only need to use the character periodically, however, you can follow these steps:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (11981) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Entering a "Slashed Zero" in Your Document.
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2022-10-27 12:38:10
Bas
Hi and thank you for all of the responses.
I have tried the suggestions ... the CONSOLAS font and Alt+0216 both work but not the others.
I think I'll go for Alt+0216 ...works for me.
Regards
Bas
2022-10-26 09:31:28
Kiwerry
@Bas
It worked for me (W11, Word 365). Suggestions:
Check your Word - Options - Advanced and make sure that the option "Show field codes instead of their values" is not checked.
It may be that the comma used in Allen's tip should be the field separator set in your Office installation (what do you use between function arguments in Excel?). The semi-colon is a common separator instead of the comma; if it is set the string to insert would be "eq \o(0;/)". This character setting is probably also in the Word options somewhere too...
2022-10-26 06:37:46
Bas
Hi.
I always look forward to the Tips arriving, both Word and Excel. I've learned so much... However,
I have Office 2019 and Windows 11.
I tried the character sequence:
Press Ctrl+F9. Word inserts field braces. Type "eq \o(0,/)". (You should not include the quote marks.) Press Shift+F9. Word collapses your field and the slashed zero appears.
When I press the final, Shift+F9, sequence the whole {eq\o(0,/)} set of characters disappears.
Where am I going wrong please?
Regards
Bas
2020-06-18 02:14:05
anon
For the latest version of word it should be
eq \o(0;/)
2019-01-03 09:43:11
Alan Grabowsky
That's great. I think it's easier to remember and type 0// for a slashed 0. "To each his own."
I use easy-to-recall Autocorrects for thousands of long terms in multiple languages, even my car's ghastly VIN, in Word (formatted and with macros), PPT, and Outlook.
2019-01-02 13:28:52
Alan Grabowsky
Or...
1. Type a zero and one space in your usual font (I use Arial, but could be any other).
2. Change only the zero to CONSOLAS font, NOT the space after it.
3. Hit Autocorrect on your personal toolbar and save 0// as 0 in Consolas with the following space in your usual font, formatted.
From now on, any time you type 0//, 0 WITH SLASH will appear. If you want 0 in a slightly larger font, include that in #2 above.
For anyone accustomed to using Autocorrects, the shorthand tool for Word and PowerPoint, these three instructions will take only 5” to perform.
Typing the new symbol in Consolas, then returning to Arial or your usual font will take a half-second.
SORRY-- THIS COMMENT BOX CAN'T SHOW THE FORMAT OF THE CONSOLAS FONT "0", BUT I HOPE IT'S STILL CLEAR.
AlanG
2018-12-29 14:43:19
Allan
Why not just type Alt+0216 . You get this Ø.
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here:
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