Easy Ways to Insert an X Bar Symbol (x̄) into Word

Typing an x bar symbol (x̄) into your Word document isn't as straightforward as typing other accent symbols, but it's still easy to do. This wikiHow guide will teach you how to add the X bar symbol, which is an x with an overline, to your Word document on your Windows PC or Mac.

Quick Ways to Make an X Bar (x̄) in Word

The fastest way is to copy the x̄ here and paste it into your document.
On Windows, you can also type x0304, highlight just the "0304" with your mouse, then press Alt + X to convert it to an X bar.
On a Mac, type x, then hold down Option as you type 0304.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Typing a Shortcode on Windows

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You must first type an "x" to create the X bar symbol. Your cursor should be to the right of the "x".
You should now have x0304.

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Don't include the "x" in the text you're highlighting.
This shortcut replaces what you've typed with x̄.

Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Typing a Shortcode on a Mac

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1
Enable the Unicode Hex input. This feature makes it easy to enter Unicode symbols.
- Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
- Click Keyboard.
- Click Edit… next to "Input Sources."
- Click + to add a new input source.
- Search for and select Unicode Hex Input.
You must first type an "x" to create the X bar symbol.
3
Select the Unicode Hex Input keyboard. Click the little keyboard icon at the top of the screen, and make sure "Unicode Hex Input" is selected.
- If you don't see the keyboard icon, return to System Settings > Keyboard, click Edit… next to "Input Sources," and toggle on "Show Input menu in menu bar."
When you lift your finger from the Option key, the X will turn into the X bar x̄.

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Using Equation Editor on Windows & Mac

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It’s at the top of the screen between Home and Draw.
2
Click Equation. It’s the icon with a pi symbol in the toolbar. This adds a place to type an equation into your Word document.
- If a menu opens, click Insert New Equation to continue.
$Step 3 Type \overline into the box and press the Spacebar.$

An overline will appear.
4
Type x and press the Spacebar. The overline is now over the X, creating an X bar.
- There's also another way to insert an X bar in Word using the Equation Editor:
  - Click Insert and select Equation.
  - Type x, then highlight the x with your mouse.
  - Click Accent in the Equation toolbar at the top.
  - Click the Bar icon, a square with a bar over it. This places a bar over the selected X, turning it into an X bar.

Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Typing an Alt Code on Windows

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1
Type an x into your Word document. You must first type an "x" to create the X bar symbol. Your cursor should be to the right of the "x".
- This method requires using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard to type an alt code. If you are using a smaller keyboard that doesn't have a separate set of number keys on the right, it will be easier to use a different method.
- If you have a laptop without a numeric keypad, you may still be able to type alt codes.
Do not lift your finger from this key.
Don't use the number keys at the top of the keyboard, as that won't work. When you lift your finger from the Alt key, you'll have an X bar.

Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Inserting a Symbol on Windows

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You first need to type an "x" to create the X bar symbol. Your cursor should be to the right of the "x".
The Insert tab is at the top of Word between Home and Draw.
It looks like a horseshoe.
This is the last option in the drop-down menu.
5
Select the correct font and subset. To locate the bar symbol:
- From the Font menu, select (normal text).
- From the Subset menu, select Combining Diacritical Marks.
To do this, type 0304 into the "Character code" field. This finds and selects the bar symbol.
This turns the X you typed into x̄.

Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Inserting a Symbol on a Mac

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You can type it anywhere in your document.
2
Press Ctrl+⌘ Command+Space. This opens the Character Viewer.^{[1]
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Research source} It will initially open to the Emoji panel.
- Alternatively, you can click the Insert menu and then Advanced Symbol.
To switch to symbols from emoji, scroll to the top, then click the Symbol toggle icon in the right corner.^{[2]
X
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Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

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It’s at the top of the Character Viewer. You’ll see a solid black line appear just beneath the search bar. That’s called a Combining Overline.
5
Double-click the Combining Overline. The “x” you typed will now appear as an X bar x̄.
- Next time you open the Character Viewer, you can find the Combining Overline quickly by clicking “Recently Used” at the top of the left panel.^{[3]
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