What is en dash?
The en dash is the middle horizontal mark, named for its historical width: the same as the lowercase letter "n," which is about half the width of an em dash. Its main uses are numeric ranges ("pages 10–20," "2020–2025"), score lines ("a 3–1 win") and compound connections that join two equal terms or multi-word items ("New York–Los Angeles route," "North American–European partnership"). An en dash is longer than a hyphen and shorter than an em dash, which makes it easy to miss on fast reads.
Why does en dash matter?
The en dash matters because it signals a specific relationship between the things on either side: a span, a score or a link. Swap in a hyphen and the meaning usually stays clear but the typography looks amateurish. Swap in an em dash and the sentence reads as a break rather than a range. For brands producing schedules, reports, tables or specs, consistent en dash use is a quiet but strong signal of editorial polish.
How do you use en dash?
Use the en dash for inclusive ranges of numbers, dates and pages, such as "April 5–May 12" or "9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. PST."
Use the en dash to connect two equal things or multi-word terms that do not share a hyphen, such as "pro–anti debate" or "New York–based company."
Do not use the en dash where a hyphen belongs. Hyphens join single-word compounds, while en dashes signal ranges or equal connections.
