Fact · Dictation for work and study
Microsoft says to type ASCII character codes with the numeric keypad and Num Lock on, not the number row across the top of the keyboard.
Checked against its source on October 16, 2026
In the source's own words
“Use the numeric keypad with Num Lock on to type the ASCII numbers, not the numbers across the top of your keyboard.”
Insert ASCII or Unicode character codes in Word, Microsoft Support, 2026, Inserting ASCII Characters.
Open the original- What it measures
- A laptop without a numeric keypad needs a separate keypad or another way to enter the code. Using the number row produces the wrong characters.
- What it does not show
- Applies to Windows. Some laptops have no numeric keypad, so use Word's Insert > Symbol menu there.