Colon

A symbol that looks like two periods above each other ( : ) that is found on the same key as the semicolon on standard United States keyboards.

How to create the ":" symbol

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

To create the colon symbol using a U.S. keyboard, hold down the Shift key and press colon key. The colon key is the same key as the semicolon ( ; ), located directly to the right of the letter 'L' key.

Creating the ":" symbol on a smartphone or tablet

To create a tilde on a smartphone or tablet open the keyboard and go into the numbers (123) or symbols (sym) section and then tap on the ':' symbol.

How is a colon used?

Below are some different examples of where a colon is used today.

In a URL, a colon separates the protocol with the address. For example, with https://www.computerhope.com https is the protocol and www.computerhope.com is the address.

In MS-DOS and the Windows command line, a colon indicates a drive letter. For example, typing in "A:" at the MS-DOS prompt would switch to the "A: drive" or floppy disk drive.

In a spreadsheet formula, a colon specifies a range. For example, =sum(A1:A20) would add cells A1 through A20.

A colon in front or end of a word (depending on programming language) creates a label that can be used with a goto.

In a batch file adding two comments in front of a line creates a remarked line.

The colon may be used, along with a right parenthesis, in text or online messages to denote a smiley face :). It is also known as an emoticon.

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