Exclamation mark

Updated: 05/01/2023 by Computer Hope
Exclamation Mark

Alternatively known as a bang or exclamation point, an exclamation mark "!" is a punctuation mark found on the 1 key on a standard United States QWERTY keyboard. The mark is used in English after an interjection or exclamation to indicate strong feelings, draw attention, or show emphasis. For example, this is an excellent example of the exclamation mark!

Where is the exclamation mark key on the keyboard?

Below is a computer keyboard with the exclamation key highlighted.

Exclamation mark key

How do I create the "!" symbol?

Creating the "!" symbol on a U.S. keyboard

To create an exclamation mark using a U.S. keyboard, hold down the Shift and press number 1 (Shift+1) on top of the keyboard.

Tip

Doing the Alt code Alt+33 can also create an exclamation mark.

Creating the "!" symbol on a smartphone or tablet

To create an exclamation mark on a smartphone or tablet, open the keyboard and go into the numbers (123) or symbols (sym) section. Find and press your finger on the ! symbol.

If the exclamation mark is part of another key (e.g., Apple iPad keyboard), tap the Shift key (key with an up arrow), and then tap the exclamation mark key.

How is an exclamation mark used with a computer?

The picture below is an example of exclamation marks in Microsoft Windows. As shown, there are five exclamation marks on five devices listed in the Windows Device Manager. These exclamation marks indicate errors with these hardware devices.

Exclamation mark in Windows Device Manager

How else is the exclamation mark used with a computer?

  • In programming and scripting languages, the exclamation mark is used as "not." For example, "!=" also means not equal. See our operator definition for further information.
  • Used to help identify a nonexecutable statement.
  • An exclamation mark is used in a shebang to help scripts, such as Perl scripts, identify the interpreter's location.
  • In mathematics, an exclamation mark indicates a factorial number, which is multiplication by decreasing positive integers. For example, 5! = 5 * 4 * 3 * 2 * 1 which is 120.
  • The ! key is also used in keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Shift+!.
  • In chess, the exclamation point is used in annotation symbols to mean a good move (!), brilliant move (!!), or dubious move (?!).
Note

An exclamation mark is a common symbol used in various programs and online services to indicate something that needs your attention.

How to create an upside-down exclamation mark in HTML

See our extended special HTML characters page for steps in creating an upside-down exclamation mark in HTML (hypertext markup language).

!=, Bang, Factorial, Keyboard terms, Number key, One, Punctuation, Shift+1, Typography terms, Whack