Equal (=) key code in JavaScript

For Equal (=), event.key is = (or + with Shift), event.code is Equal and the deprecated keyCode is 187. Press any key in the Key Code Finder to see its values live.

Updated

PropertyValue
event.key= (or + with Shift)
event.codeEqual
event.keyCode / which (deprecated)187

How to detect Equal (=)

document.addEventListener('keydown', (event) => {
  if (event.key === "=") {
    // Equal (=) was pressed
  }
});

Use event.key to react to what the key means (it follows the keyboard layout) and event.code for its physical position, for example WASD in games. keyCode and which are deprecated: they still work, but their values differ between browsers and layouts.

How browsers treat Equal (=)

Ctrl/Cmd with = and - zoom the page; avoid overriding them. Firefox historically used keyCode 61.

In React

<input onKeyDown={(e) => { if (e.key === "=") { /* … */ } }} />
JavaScript Keycode FinderPress any key and instantly see every property of the keyboard event, with a copy-ready keydown snippet for shortcuts.
Open the tool

Frequently asked questions

What is the keyCode for Equal (=)?
187. It’s deprecated, though: use event.key (“= (or + with Shift)”) or event.code (Equal) in new code.
What is the difference between event.key and event.code?
event.key is the character or action the key produces with the current layout; event.code is the physical key position, the same on every layout.
Should I use keydown or keypress?
keydown. The keypress event is deprecated and doesn’t fire for keys that don’t produce characters, such as Escape or the arrow keys.