Em Dash vs En Dash vs Hyphen
Compare em dash, en dash, hyphen, minus sign, and horizontal bar so you can copy the correct symbol for punctuation, ranges, compound words, or math.
Copy Dash Symbols Now
Copy the exact dash symbol you need. The primary character on this page is Em Dash (U+2014), HTML entity —.
Ready to copy Em Dash —
Which Dash Should You Use?
- 1. Use em dash — for interruption, emphasis, and inserted phrases.
- 2. Use en dash – for ranges and relationships.
- 3. Use hyphen - for compound words and keyboard input.
- 4. Use minus sign − for mathematics.
- 5. If you searched for semi dash, you may mean en dash or hyphen because semi dash is not a common standard punctuation name.
Dash Generator
Choose a dash symbol, set a count from 1 to 100, and copy the generated output.
Preview
Em Dash U+2014 x 1
Dash Tester
Paste a dash to check its Unicode code point and identify whether it is an em dash, en dash, hyphen, minus sign, or long dash.
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Dash Uses Explained
Em dash
Use — for sentence interruption, emphasis, or inserted explanation.
En dash
Use – for number ranges, date ranges, scores, and relationships such as London–Paris.
Hyphen
Use - for compound words, keyboard input, slugs, and plain-text separators.
Minus sign
Use − for subtraction and negative numbers in mathematical text.
Dash Unicode and HTML Entity
Use this table to copy the exact dash character and confirm its Unicode code point, HTML entity, and CSS escape when available.
| Symbol | Name | Unicode | HTML | CSS | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Em Dash | U+2014 | — | \2014 | |
| – | En Dash | U+2013 | – | \2013 | |
| - | Hyphen-Minus | U+002D | - | \002D | |
| − | Minus Sign | U+2212 | − | \2212 | |
| ― | Horizontal Bar | U+2015 | ― | \2015 |
Dash Comparison Examples
Em dash
The update changed one thing—speed.
En dash
The report covers 2020–2026.
Hyphen
Use a user-friendly label.
Minus sign
The result is 10 − 4 = 6.
Related Symbols Compared
The marks are visually similar but not interchangeable. Copy the symbol that matches the writing or technical context.
| Symbol | Name | Code | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Em Dash | U+2014 | Sentence breaks, emphasis, inserted thoughts | One point matters—clarity. |
| – | En Dash | U+2013 | Ranges, scores, relationships | 2020–2026 |
| - | Hyphen-Minus | U+002D | Compound words, keyboard input, slugs | user-friendly |
| − | Minus Sign | U+2212 | Mathematics and negative numbers | 10 − 4 = 6 |
| ― | Horizontal Bar | U+2015 | Typography tests and U+2015-specific use | A horizontal bar ― not a standard em dash |
Dash Copy Paste FAQ
What is an em dash?
An em dash is the punctuation mark —, Unicode U+2014. It is commonly used for emphasis, interruption, and parenthetical breaks in English writing.
Is an em dash the same as a hyphen?
No. A hyphen is the shorter keyboard mark -, while an em dash is the longer punctuation mark —.
Can I copy the em dash on mobile?
Yes. Tap a copy button on this page, then paste the symbol into your app. If clipboard access fails, select the visible symbol and copy it manually.
When should I use an en dash?
Use an en dash for ranges, scores, and relationships, such as 2019–2026.
What is a semi dash?
Semi dash is not a common standard punctuation name. Most users who search for it likely need an en dash or hyphen.
Related Dash Copy Paste Tools
Em Dash Copy Paste
Copy the standard em dash, spaced em dash, and double em dash.
Em Dash Symbol
See Unicode, HTML entity, CSS escape, and related dash symbols.
Long Em Dash
Copy double, two-em, and three-em dash variants.
Em Dash Keyboard Shortcuts
Type an em dash on Windows, Mac, mobile, Google Docs, and Word.