Dashes

There are two types of dashes: the em dash (—) and the en dash (–).

Em dash

The em dash (—) is based on the width of an uppercase M. It is used primarily to set off sentence elements.

Note

Do not use word spacing on either side of an em dash. If your style sheet and your publishing process support it, insert a 1/4 en space on each side of an em dash.

Use an em dash:

  • To set off a parenthetical phrase that deserves more emphasis than parentheses imply. Use one em dash on each side of the phrase.

    Microsoft style

    The information in your spreadsheet—numbers, formulas, and text—is stored in cells.

  • To set off a phrase or clause at the end of a sentence for emphasis. Use one em dash.

    Microsoft style

    If you are not sure about the details, look at the illustrations in the wizard—they can help you figure out what type of connection you’re using.

    Do not use an em dash in place of a bullet or other typographic symbol to set off items in a list.

    Do not use an em dash to indicate an empty cell in a table.

    Do not capitalize the first word after an em dash unless the word is a proper noun.

    The HTML code for an em dash is —.

En dash

The en dash (–) is based on the width of an uppercase N. At half the length of an em dash, it is slightly longer than a hyphen. An en dash is used primarily for connecting elements, especially numbers.

Use an en dash:

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

    Microsoft style

    1993–1994

    pages 95–110

  • To indicate a minus sign.

  • To indicate negative numbers: –79.

  • Instead of a hyphen in a compound adjective in which at least one of the elements is an open compound (such as “Windows 2000”) or to join a hyphenated compound to another word.

    Microsoft style

    dialog box–type options

    Windows NT–based programs

Note

MS-DOS-based is an exception to this guidance. MS-DOS-based is spelled with two hyphens, not a hyphen and an en dash. See MS-DOS-based program (Appendix A).

Do not use an en dash to indicate an empty cell in a table.

Do not use spaces on either side of an en dash.

The HTML code for an en dash is –.

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