Minus sign

[Wordwanderer]

I am doing a project that requires measurement of percentage points and
figures that are plus or minus those numbers. Which kind of dash do I use for
the minus sign?

Thanks.

WordWanderer

 

[JoAnn Paules]

I don't think it would really matter but I'd use the dash key beside the 0.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

If you want the numbers to be calculable (that is, if you want a Formula
field to be able to add and subtract them), a hyphen is your only option,
unfortunately. But if you want something that looks like a minus sign (and
is the same width as a plus sign), use either an en dash (U2013) or a minus
sign (U2212). The en dash will be found in virtually all fonts; the minus
sign may not be present in a given font.

 

[Jay Freedman]

I am doing a project that requires measurement of percentage points and
figures that are plus or minus those numbers. Which kind of dash do I use for
the minus sign?

Thanks.

WordWanderer

That depends on what you're going to use it for.

If those numbers won't ever be near the right margin, use an ordinary hyphen or
an en dash (which is a little more noticeable because of the extra length).

If the number might reach the right margin and wrap to the next line, use a
nonbreaking hyphen (Ctrl+Shift+-) so it will stay with the following digit.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

FWIW, the minus sign (U2212) is also nonbreaking.