Em Dash vs. En Dash vs. Hyphen

These three marks may look similar, but they each have their own job in writing. Let’s break them down so you know exactly when to use a hyphen, an en dash, or an em dash.

Hyphen (-)

Use a hyphen to connect two or more words, especially when they describe something together.

• She bought a well-known brand of headphones.
• This is a three-day workshop.

Hyphens are also used in double surnames or to break words at the end of a line.

• Her last name is Lopez-Garcia.

En dash (–)

Use an en dash to show a range — especially with dates, times, or numbers.

• The class runs from Monday–Friday.
• Please read pages 10–25.

You can also use it to connect parts of a compound phrase:

• She’s a New York–based artist.

Em dash (—)

Use an em dash to add a break or interruption in a sentence. It’s like a more dramatic comma or parentheses.

• He didn’t want to go — not after what happened last time.
• We found the answer — finally!