Share via

En dashes

  • Article

Use an en dash (–):

  • To indicate a range of numbers, such as inclusive values, dates, or pages.
    Example
    2015–2017

  • For a minus sign.
    Example
    12 – 3 = 9

  • To indicate negative numbers.
    Example
    –79

Use an en dash (–) instead of a hyphen in a compound modifier when:

  • One element of the modifier is an open compound.
    Examples
    Windows 10–compatible products
    dialog–type options

  • Two or more of the elements are made up of hyphenated compounds (a rare occurrence).

Don’t use an en dash to indicate an empty cell in a table.

Don’t use spaces on either side of an en dash.

Exception Surround an en dash with spaces when it's used as a minus sign in an equation, in a time stamp appearing in UI, or in a date range that includes two times and two dates.
12 – 3 = 9
2:15 PM – 4:45 PM (time stamp in UI)
2:15 PM 12/1/17 – 4:45 PM 4/1/18 (range includes both time and date)

In text, don’t use an en dash in a range of times. Use to instead: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. In a schedule or listing, use an en dash with no spaces around it: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.

See also Date and time term collection