How to type × on Windows
The fastest method on a full-size keyboard is the Alt code Alt+0215.
- Make sure Num Lock is on.
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type 0215 on the numeric keypad (the number row will not work).
- Release Alt. The multiplication symbol × appears.
No numeric keypad?
Press Win+. to open the emoji panel, choose the Symbols tab (Ω) and search for "multiplication". Or open Character Map from the Start menu, find ×, click Select, then Copy.
How to type × on a Mac
There is no direct keyboard shortcut for × on a Mac.
For any symbol, the Character Viewer works: press Control+⌘+Space, type "multiplication" in the search box and double-click the result. It will be remembered under Frequently Used.
How to type × on iPhone and iPad
The iOS keyboard does not include ×, so the reliable way is to copy it from this page, then press and hold in any text field and tap Paste.
If you use it often, create a shortcut: open Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement, paste × in the Phrase field and type a short code such as ;multiplication in the Shortcut field. Typing that code will then insert × anywhere.
How to type × on Android
Copy the symbol from this page, then long-press in a text field and choose Paste. Gboard also keeps a clipboard history: tap the clipboard icon on the toolbar to paste it again later.
For a permanent shortcut, open Gboard settings → Dictionary → Personal dictionary, add × as the word and a short code as the shortcut.
How to type × in Microsoft Word
- Type the Unicode hex code 00D7 where you want the symbol.
- Press Alt+X. Word converts the code into ×.
This works on Windows in Word, Outlook and OneNote and needs no numeric keypad. You can also go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols, set the font to a Unicode font and type 00D7 in the Character code box. In Excel, the formula =UNICHAR(215) returns the symbol.
How to type × in Google Docs
Open Insert → Special characters, then either search for "multiplication" or draw the symbol in the sketch box. Click the result to insert it. In Google Sheets, use =CHAR(215).
× in HTML, CSS and code
| Format | Code |
|---|---|
| HTML entity | × |
| HTML decimal | × |
| HTML hex | × |
CSS content | "\00D7" |
| JavaScript | "\u00D7" |
| Python | "\u00D7" |
| LaTeX | \times |
| URL encoded | %C3%97 |
Because × is a standard Unicode character (U+00D7), you can also paste it directly into any UTF-8 file. The escaped forms above are only needed when the file encoding is uncertain or the symbol must be entered on a keyboard without it.
Where the multiplication symbol is used
It appears in math problems, recipes, and product dimensions, such as "6 × 7 = 42" or "12 × 18 cm". It also shows up in screen resolutions like "1920 × 1080". People often confuse it with the lowercase letter x, but the multiplication sign is slightly shorter and centered higher on the line.
Frequently asked questions
Is × the same as the letter x? +
No. The multiplication sign (×) is a distinct math symbol, while x is a letter often used as a variable. They look similar but have different Unicode codes and uses.
What is the difference between × and *? +
The asterisk (*) is commonly used for multiplication in programming and spreadsheets, while × is the formal math symbol used in print and handwriting.
What is the Alt code for the multiplication symbol? +
The Alt code for × is Alt+0215. Hold Alt, type 0215 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
How do I type × on a Mac? +
There is no dedicated Mac shortcut for ×. Open the Character Viewer with Control + Command + Space, search for "multiplication", and double-click it. Or copy it from this page.
How do I type the multiplication symbol on iPhone or Android? +
Phone keyboards do not include × by default. Copy it from this page and paste it, or add it as a text replacement shortcut in Settings so you can type it with a short abbreviation.
What is the HTML code for ×? +
Use × in HTML. The numeric form × works too. In CSS use content: "\00D7" and in JavaScript use "\u00D7".