` Backtick
Also called: grave accent, backquote, grave. The backtick is a tiny slanted mark at the top-left of the keyboard. Coders use it to mark code, and it adds accents in some languages, like è.
How to type `
Press the ` key with your left pinky. No Shift needed.
Meaning and fun facts
It shares a key with the tilde (~). In chat apps, wrapping words in backticks like `this` often shows them in a code font.
Common uses
- Marking code in chat: `print`
- Accents: è in "très"
- Template strings in JavaScript
Fun example: Type `hello` to show code.
Typing tip
The backtick ` is not an apostrophe. It lives in the top-left corner under Esc and is mostly used by coders. If your apostrophes look slanted, check you did not hit this key.
` at a glance
| Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Chromebook) | ` |
|---|---|
| Phone or tablet | On an iPhone, press and hold the apostrophe key and slide to `. On Android (Gboard), tap ?123, then =\< to find it. |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 96 (hold Alt, type the number on the number pad) |
| Unicode | U+0060 |
| HTML code | ` |
Quick practice drill
Type the examples below. The keyboard shows which finger and Shift key to use.
Want more? Practice this reach in Lesson 25: Numbers 1 to 5, or warm up with typing practice and Falling Words.
Related symbols
See all symbols in Keyboard Characters and Meanings.
FAQ
What is the ` symbol called?
` is called the backtick. It is also called grave accent, backquote, grave.
How do you type backtick on a keyboard?
Press the ` key with your left pinky. No Shift needed.
What does ` mean?
The backtick is a tiny slanted mark at the top-left of the keyboard. Coders use it to mark code, and it adds accents in some languages, like è.