! Exclamation Mark
Also called: exclamation point, bang, shriek. An exclamation mark shows strong feeling, like excitement, surprise or a loud command.
How to type !
Hold Shift with your right pinky, then press the 1 key with your left pinky.
Meaning and fun facts
Programmers call it "bang." In math, 5! means 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1, which is called a factorial.
Common uses
- Excitement: We won!
- Warnings: Stop!
- Sounds: Pow!
- Math factorials: 5! = 120
Fun example: Wow, that rocket is fast!
Typing tip
One exclamation mark is plenty! Writing teachers usually ask for one at a time, and the key is Shift + 1, typed with the left pinky while the right pinky holds Shift.
! at a glance
| Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Chromebook) | Shift + 1 |
|---|---|
| Phone or tablet | On an iPhone, tap the 123 key and it is right there. On Android (Gboard), tap ?123. |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 33 (hold Alt, type the number on the number pad) |
| Unicode | U+0021 |
| 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 29: Exclamation Marks and Apostrophes, 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 exclamation mark. It is also called exclamation point, bang, shriek.
How do you type exclamation mark on a keyboard?
Hold Shift with your right pinky, then press the 1 key with your left pinky.
What does ! mean?
An exclamation mark shows strong feeling, like excitement, surprise or a loud command.