Disclaimer: This info is for English keyboards. If you're using a keyboard for a different language, look for the keys on your keyboard that match the photos. Pictures of Apple's keyboards for various languages can be found here.
This question was answered 5 years ago, but pictures may be helpful for viewers coming upon it now.
To make a backtick on the US English keyboard - Use the key just to the left of the 1 key
To make a backtick on the British or International English keyboard - Use the key just to the right of the left shift key