. Period
Also called: full stop, dot, point. A period ends a sentence that tells something. It also shows up in web addresses, email addresses and decimal numbers.
How to type .
Press the . key with your right ring finger. No Shift needed.
Meaning and fun facts
In the UK people call it a "full stop." When you read a website out loud, the same mark is called "dot," like "typerockets dot com."
Common uses
- End a telling sentence
- Decimal numbers like 3.5
- Web addresses like typerockets.com
- Short forms like Mr. and Dr.
Fun example: My dog likes to nap.
Typing tip
Only one space goes after a period at the end of a sentence. Two spaces was a typewriter habit, and today most teachers and style guides ask for one.
. at a glance
| Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Chromebook) | . |
|---|---|
| Phone or tablet | On an iPhone, tap the 123 key and it is right there. On Android (Gboard), tap ?123. |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 46 (hold Alt, type the number on the number pad) |
| Unicode | U+002E |
| 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 17: Reach Down to X and ., 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 period. It is also called full stop, dot, point.
How do you type period on a keyboard?
Press the . key with your right ring finger. No Shift needed.
What does . mean?
A period ends a sentence that tells something. It also shows up in web addresses, email addresses and decimal numbers.