En Dash
Use the en dash only where the governing style calls for it. Some styles use an unspaced en dash for numeric spans and relationships; others prefer words such as “from … to” in general prose for accessibility, and dash treatment for parenthetical material varies by style.
An en dash (–) is a distinct punctuation mark commonly used by many styles for ranges or spans and for selected relationships between terms. Do not confuse it with a hyphen (-), an em dash (—), or the mathematical minus sign (−); exact spacing and preferred uses depend on house style and accessibility needs.
Key details
Further guidance
Accessibility
In general digital prose, consider whether words such as “from 2019 to 2024” are clearer for screen-reader users than a compact dash span.
Character Choice
Use the actual en dash character U+2013. A hyphen is shorter, and the minus sign is a mathematical symbol with a different semantic role.
Ranges
When the style permits an en dash for a range, use it between the endpoints without pairing it with “from” or “between.”
Relationships
Some styles use an en dash to connect terms that retain equal or coordinate meaning, such as a route or relationship.
Worked Example
A technical style may allow “pages 18–27,” while general web copy may be clearer as “pages 18 to 27.” Follow one style consistently.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Dashes (opens in a new tab)Australian Government Style Manual · Current government guidance distinguishes en-dash functions such as spans and relationships from em dashes and minus signs.
- Dashes and hyphens — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · En-dash and em-dash functions, including number ranges and sentence breaks