Type Apostrophe on Basic Keyboard Layout

Updated 4 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

To type an apostrophe (‘) on a basic keyboard layout, press the key located between the semicolon (;) key and the Enter key on the right side of the middle row. This key is typically labeled with an apostrophe and a double quotation mark (“).

Background: The Apostrophe Key’s Location

The apostrophe key has been a standard fixture on QWERTY keyboards since the typewriter era. Its position between the semicolon and Enter keys is a legacy of the original Sholes and Glidden typewriter layout, designed to place frequently used punctuation within easy reach of the right hand. On a standard US QWERTY keyboard, the apostrophe is on the same key as the double quote, requiring the Shift key to produce the latter.

This placement is consistent across most English-language keyboards, including UK, Australian, and Canadian layouts, though the exact position of other punctuation marks may vary. The apostrophe key is also used in many programming languages and command-line interfaces, making its location familiar to typists and developers alike.

How It Works: Key Mechanics and Shift Functions

On a standard keyboard, each key can produce multiple characters depending on modifier keys. The apostrophe key, in its default state, produces the single quote mark (‘). When you hold the Shift key and press the same key, you get the double quotation mark (“). This is true for both US and UK layouts, although the UK layout places the double quote on the same key as the number 2.

Some keyboards, especially those on laptops, may have a smaller right Shift key or a slightly rearranged bottom row, but the apostrophe key position remains stable. On non-QWERTY layouts like AZERTY (used in French-speaking regions), the apostrophe is located on a different key, often requiring a combination of AltGr or a dedicated key. However, for the vast majority of English speakers using a basic QWERTY keyboard, the apostrophe is exactly where described.

How to Choose: Which Keyboard Layout Do You Have?

If you are unsure whether your keyboard uses a US or UK layout, look at the keys around the Enter key. On a US layout, the Enter key is a wide, horizontal bar, and the apostrophe is directly to its left. On a UK layout, the Enter key is taller and shaped like an inverted L, and the apostrophe is still to its left but the key to its right (where the # is on US) is the backslash key.

For users who frequently type in languages other than English, the apostrophe might be used as a diacritic (e.g., in Italian or French). In such cases, the keyboard layout may include a dead key that allows combining accents. But for basic English typing, the standard apostrophe key works as a simple punctuation mark.

Common Problems: Apostrophe Not Typing or Wrong Character

If pressing the apostrophe key produces no character or a different one, several issues could be at play:

Wrong input language: Your operating system may be set to a different keyboard layout (e.g., UK English instead of US English). In Windows, you can check by clicking the language icon in the taskbar or pressing Windows+Space to cycle through layouts. On macOS, check System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources.
Sticky keys or hardware failure: If the key feels stuck or produces multiple characters, there may be debris or a mechanical issue. Try cleaning the key or using compressed air.
Dead key behavior: On some layouts, the apostrophe is a dead key used to add accents to vowels. If you press it and then a letter, you might get an accented character instead of an apostrophe. To type a literal apostrophe, you may need to press the apostrophe key followed by the spacebar.
Software remapping: Some applications or utilities like AutoHotkey can remap keys. Check if any such software is running.

Comparison: Apostrophe on Different Devices

While the physical keyboard layout is similar, the apostrophe key’s behavior can differ across devices:

Desktop keyboards: Full-size keyboards have a dedicated apostrophe key, usually with a larger keycap for easy touch typing.
Laptop keyboards: Due to space constraints, the apostrophe key may be slightly smaller but remains in the same relative position. Some compact laptops place it next to a smaller right Shift key.
Virtual keyboards (smartphones/tablets): On-screen keyboards often hide the apostrophe behind a symbols layer. On iOS and Android, you may need to press the ?123 key to find it, or long-press the comma key to access it quickly.
Mac keyboards: The apostrophe key is in the same position, but the double quote is produced with Shift, just like on Windows.

Alternatives: Typing Apostrophes Without the Key

If your keyboard’s apostrophe key is broken or missing, you can still type an apostrophe using alternative methods:

ASCII code: Hold the Alt key and type 39 on the numeric keypad (for Windows). This produces the apostrophe character.
Copy and paste: Copy an apostrophe from a text and paste it where needed.
Character Map: Use the Character Map utility in Windows or the Emoji & Symbols viewer in macOS to insert an apostrophe.
On-screen keyboard: Use the built-in on-screen keyboard in your operating system (accessible via accessibility settings) to click the apostrophe key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my apostrophe key type an accent instead?

This usually happens when your keyboard layout is set to a language that uses dead keys, such as French (AZERTY) or Spanish. In these layouts, the apostrophe key is a dead key that waits for a following vowel to produce an accented character. To type a normal apostrophe, press the apostrophe key and then press the spacebar.

How do I type a double quote if the apostrophe key is broken?

You can use the Shift key with the same key, but if that’s not working, you can use the Alt code: hold Alt and type 34 on the numeric keypad for Windows. On Mac, you can press Option+Shift+[ to get a double quote (in some layouts). Alternatively, copy and paste the character.

Is the apostrophe key in the same place on all keyboards?

No, but it is consistent across most QWERTY layouts for English. On AZERTY (French) and QWERTZ (German) layouts, the apostrophe is in a different location. On AZERTY, it is often on a key near the Enter key, but you may need to use a combination like AltGr+4.

What is the difference between a straight apostrophe and a curly apostrophe?

A straight apostrophe (‘) is the standard ASCII character, while a curly apostrophe (‘) is a typographic character used in professional typesetting. Word processors often auto-correct straight apostrophes to curly ones. Both are typed the same way on a keyboard, but the software decides which character to insert.

Why does my keyboard type @ instead of ” when I press Shift+2?

This is a classic sign that your keyboard layout is set to UK English instead of US English. On the UK layout, Shift+2 produces the double quote, and the apostrophe key is used for the single quote. To fix this, change your keyboard layout to US English in your operating system settings.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.