( Open Parenthesis
Also called: left paren, round bracket, open bracket. An open parenthesis starts extra information inside a sentence or a math group. It always needs a closing partner.
How to type (
Hold Shift with your left pinky, then press the 9 key with your right ring finger.
Meaning and fun facts
One is a parenthesis; two are parentheses. In math, you solve what is inside the parentheses first.
Common uses
- Extra info: My dog (Max) is tiny.
- Math order: (2 + 3) x 4
- Lists: (a), (b), (c)
Fun example: My cat (her name is Pixel) loves boxes.
Typing tip
The open parenthesis is Shift + 9 and the close is Shift + 0, side by side. Every ( needs a matching ), so a good habit is to type both and then fill in the middle.
( at a glance
| Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Chromebook) | Shift + 9 |
|---|---|
| Phone or tablet | On an iPhone, tap the 123 key and it is right there. On Android (Gboard), tap ?123. |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 40 (hold Alt, type the number on the number pad) |
| Unicode | U+0028 |
| 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 26: Numbers 6 to 0, 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 open parenthesis. It is also called left paren, round bracket, open bracket.
How do you type open parenthesis on a keyboard?
Hold Shift with your left pinky, then press the 9 key with your right ring finger.
What does ( mean?
An open parenthesis starts extra information inside a sentence or a math group. It always needs a closing partner.