Check Mark & Tick Symbols
✓ ✔ ✅ ✗ ✘ ❌ Copy and Paste
Every tick mark, check mark, cross symbol, and ballot box — with explanations of the differences, when to use each one, keyboard shortcuts, HTML codes, and how to type them in Word, Excel, and Google Docs.
Complete Check Mark & Cross Reference
Every tick, check, cross, and ballot box symbol — with Unicode reference, name, and one-click copy. Click the symbol or the Copy button.
| Symbol | Name & Use | Unicode | Alt code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✓ | Check MarkLight tick — used in text, documents, to-do lists. The classic check mark. | U+2713 | Alt+10003 | |
| ✔ | Heavy Check MarkBold, heavier tick — more visible in lists and designs. More assertive than ✓. | U+2714 | Alt+10004 | |
| ✅ | Check Mark Button (emoji)Green check emoji — renders as coloured graphic on most platforms. Best for social media. | U+2705 | — | |
| ☑ | Ballot Box With CheckA box with a tick inside — represents a selected checkbox. Used in forms and voting contexts. | U+2611 | Alt+9745 | |
| ☐ | Ballot Box (empty)Empty checkbox — represents an unchecked item in a list or form. | U+2610 | Alt+9744 | |
| ✔️ | Heavy Check Mark (emoji)Same as ✔ but with emoji presentation — may render in colour on some platforms. | U+2714 FE0F | — | |
| 🗸 | Light Check MarkA very thin, light check mark — minimal and elegant. Less widely rendered than ✓. | U+1F5F8 | — | |
| √ | Square Root (often used as tick)Mathematically a square root sign, but widely used informally as a tick in handwriting and casual text. | U+221A | Alt+8730 |
| Symbol | Name & Use | Unicode | Alt code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✗ | Ballot XStandard cross mark — light weight. Used for “no,” “incorrect,” or “not selected.” The classic X for lists. | U+2717 | Alt+10007 | |
| ✘ | Heavy Ballot XBold, heavier X — more emphatic. Use for stronger “no” or “rejected” signals. | U+2718 | Alt+10008 | |
| ❌ | Cross Mark (emoji)Red X emoji — renders as coloured graphic on most platforms. Best for social media and messaging. | U+274C | — | |
| ☒ | Ballot Box With XA box with an X inside — represents a rejected or excluded item in a form or checklist. | U+2612 | Alt+9746 | |
| ❎ | Cross Mark Button (emoji)Green box with white X — the “negative squared cross mark” emoji. Unusual combination of green and cross. | U+274E | — | |
| ✖ | Heavy Multiplication XA heavier, multiplication-style X — used in maths but also as a decorative cross mark. | U+2716 | Alt+10006 | |
| × | Multiplication SignMathematical multiply symbol — sometimes used informally as an X or cross. Not the same as letter x. | U+00D7 | Alt+0215 |
Text Symbol vs Emoji — Which to Use
How to Type Check Marks in Word, Excel & Google Docs
Microsoft Word
Three methods: (1) Insert → Symbol → Wingdings font → select ✓ or ✔. (2) Type 2713 then press Alt + X — converts to ✓. (3) Alt + 10003 on numpad gives ✓, Alt + 10004 gives ✔. Autocorrect can also be configured — go to File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect → add entry: type “(check)” → replace with ✓.
Microsoft Excel
Same methods as Word apply. Additionally: Insert → Symbol → select Wingdings font → scroll to find ✓ (character code 252) or ✔ (character code 254). Or use a formula approach — enter CHAR(252) in a cell with Wingdings font applied to display ✓.
Google Docs & Google Sheets
Insert → Special Characters → search “check mark” or “tick” → select and insert. Or simply copy ✓ from this page and paste — Google Docs accepts Unicode directly.
Use Case Examples — Click to Copy
✔ Reviewed
☐ Pending
✓ Email support
✗ Priority support
✅ Great quality
Fast · Great support
Higher price
Step 3 ✔ Step 4 ☐
Sold out ❌
Cultural Note: ✓ Doesn’t Mean “Correct” Everywhere
In most English-speaking countries and much of Europe, ✓ means correct/done and ✗ means wrong/not selected. But this is not universal — and it matters for international content.
Japan and South Korea use ○ (circle) for correct and × (cross) for incorrect. A tick ✓ in Japan may actually indicate the wrong answer in some educational contexts.
Sweden and Finland historically used ✓ to mean “incorrect” — a habit from older grading conventions, though this is changing with globalisation.
Netherlands, South Africa, Indonesia traditionally use a flourish mark (similar to a stylised V or tick) for correct answers — different from the standard ✓ shape.
For international audiences, pairing the symbol with text (✓ Correct / ✗ Incorrect) removes ambiguity entirely.
FAQ
What is the difference between ✓ and ✔? ✓ (U+2713, Check Mark) is lighter and thinner. ✔ (U+2714, Heavy Check Mark) is bolder and more prominent. Both mean “correct” or “done” — choose based on the visual weight you want. ✔ stands out more in lists; ✓ is more subtle.
What is the difference between ✔ (text) and ✅ (emoji)? ✔ is a Unicode text character that takes the colour of surrounding text. ✅ is an emoji that renders as a green button graphic. Text symbols (✓ ✔) work better in documents, emails, and code. Emoji (✅ ❌) are better in social media posts and chats.
How do I make a check box in Word? For a printable checkbox (empty box ☐): Insert → Symbol → search “ballot box.” For a clickable checkbox in a form: Developer tab → Controls → Check Box Content Control. To enable the Developer tab: File → Options → Customise Ribbon → check Developer.
Can I use check marks in Excel formulas? Yes — you can use an IF formula to display ✓ or ✗ based on a condition: =IF(A1>0,"✓","✗"). This displays a tick or cross in the cell based on the value in A1. Just type the symbols directly into your formula string.
Why does my check mark look different on different devices? Unicode text symbols (✓ ✔) look slightly different in different fonts but are always recognisable. Emoji (✅ ❌) are rendered by the operating system and look quite different between iOS, Android, and Windows — same character, different graphic.