.appMath symbols on the keyboard: ×, ÷, ±, ²
On Windows, × is Alt + 0215, ÷ is Alt + 0247, ± is Alt + 0177 and ² is Alt + 0178 - type the digits on the numeric keypad. On a Mac, ÷ is Option + /, ± is Option + Shift + = and ≠ is Option + =. For × and ², open the Character Viewer with Ctrl + Cmd + Space.
- ×multiplication sign
- ÷division sign
- ±plus-minus sign
- ²superscript two (squared)
Ways to type it on Windows and Mac
| System | Method | Keys |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Alt code | × Alt + 0215, ÷ Alt + 0247, ± Alt + 0177, ² Alt + 0178, ³ Alt + 0179 on the numeric keypad |
| Windows 11 | Symbols panel | Win + period, then the Symbols tab |
| Word for Windows | Character code | Type the code, then press Alt + X: ≠ 2260, ≤ 2264, ≥ 2265, ∞ 221E |
| Mac | Keyboard shortcut | ÷ Option + /, ± Option + Shift + =, ≠ Option + =, ≤ Option + comma, ≥ Option + period, ∞ Option + 5 |
| Mac | Character Viewer | Ctrl + Cmd + Space, then search for “multiplication” or “superscript” |
Press the shortcut on your keyboard - the keys light up on the drawing and the row with the character is highlighted in the table.
Math symbols on a laptop: Win + period opens the symbols panel
Shortcuts for related characters
| Character | Name | Windows | Mac | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| × | multiplication sign | Alt + 0215 (numeric keypad) | Ctrl + Cmd + Space (Character Viewer) | |
| ÷ | division sign | Alt + 0247 (numeric keypad) | Option + / | |
| ± | plus-minus sign | Alt + 0177 (numeric keypad) | Option + Shift + = | |
| ² | superscript two (squared) | Alt + 0178 (numeric keypad) | Ctrl + Cmd + Space (Character Viewer) | |
| ³ | superscript three (cubed) | Alt + 0179 (numeric keypad) | Ctrl + Cmd + Space (Character Viewer) | |
| ½ | one half | Alt + 0189 (numeric keypad) | Ctrl + Cmd + Space (Character Viewer) | |
| ¼ | one quarter | Alt + 0188 (numeric keypad) | Ctrl + Cmd + Space (Character Viewer) | |
| ° | degree sign | Alt + 0176 (numeric keypad) | Option + Shift + 8 | |
| ≠ | not equal to | 2260, then Alt + X (Word) | Option + = | |
| ≈ | almost equal to | 2248, then Alt + X (Word) | Option + X | |
| ≤ | less than or equal to | 2264, then Alt + X (Word) | Option + , | |
| ≥ | greater than or equal to | 2265, then Alt + X (Word) | Option + . | |
| ∞ | infinity | 221E, then Alt + X (Word) | Option + 5 | |
| π | pi | 03C0, then Alt + X (Word) | Option + P | |
| √ | square root | 221A, then Alt + X (Word) | Option + V |
Mac shortcuts in the table are for the U.S. layout.
x, * or ×?
In a quick message, 3 x 4 is fine. Spreadsheets and programming languages need * for multiplication and / for division - × and ÷ are for text that people read, such as worksheets, recipes or sizes (20 × 30 cm).
Squared and cubed
² and ³ are characters of their own, so they keep their place when you paste them into a message or a form: m², cm³. On Windows they are Alt + 0178 and Alt + 0179. On a Mac, find them in the Character Viewer by searching for “superscript”.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Alt code for the division sign?
- Alt + 0247. The multiplication sign is Alt + 0215. Type the digits on the numeric keypad while holding the left Alt key.
- How do I type × on a Mac?
- The U.S. layout has no Option shortcut for ×. Open the Character Viewer with Ctrl + Cmd + Space and search for “multiplication”, or copy × with the button above.
- How do I type squared (²)?
- On Windows, Alt + 0178; cubed (³) is Alt + 0179. On a Mac, open the Character Viewer and search for “superscript”.
Shortcuts without looking
Touch typists press Shift and Alt with the same finger every time, without glancing at the keys. Check your speed in the free test or start the course from the first lesson.