Tick vs. Check Mark
“Tick” and “check mark” are regional names for the same ✓ symbol. Cambridge marks “tick” as UK in this sense and “check mark” as US; both words have many other meanings outside this comparison.
For the ✓ symbol, “tick” is the usual British term and “check mark” (or “check”) is the usual US term. The comparison is limited to the symbol sense.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| ✓ symbol in UK-oriented wording | tick | Use the British term. |
| ✓ symbol in US-oriented wording | check mark | Use the US term. |
| another sense of “tick” or “check” | use that sense-specific meaning | Do not apply the regional symbol rule outside the symbol context. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Are you naming the ✓ symbol for a particular regional audience?
If yes: Use “tick” for UK-oriented wording and “check mark” for US-oriented wording.
If no: If the word has another meaning, decide from that separate sense.
Caveat: This comparison is only about the ✓ symbol; “tick” and “check” have many unrelated meanings.
Examples
Put a tick beside the correct answer.
“Tick” is the British term for the ✓ symbol.
Place a check mark in the box.
“Check mark” is the US term for the same symbol.
The UK form asks for a tick; the US form asks for a check mark.
The symbol is the same while the regional label changes.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the British term.
Fast Test
Use “tick” for UK-oriented wording and “check mark” for US-oriented wording. If the word has another meaning, decide from that separate sense.
Usage Boundary
This comparison is only about the ✓ symbol; “tick” and “check” have many unrelated meanings.
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.
- tick — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · For the ✓ symbol, tick is marked UK, with US usually check/check mark.
- check mark — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Check mark is marked US and cross-references tick.