How to Type a Multiplication Sign
The multiplication sign × ("times") is a real character, distinct from the letter x. It's the right choice for dimensions like 1920×1080 and for arithmetic in prose.
Last reviewed on October 3, 2026.
Quick Reference
Windows
Hold Alt and type 0215 on the numeric keypad.
Alt + 0215
Mac
The US layout has no Option shortcut for ×. Press Control + Command + Space and search "multiplication", or set up a Text Replacement (see below).
Control + Command + Space → "multiplication"
Linux
Press Ctrl + Shift + U, type d7, press Enter — or Compose x x.
Ctrl + Shift + U, d7, Enter
Microsoft Word
Type 00D7 then Alt + X. In an equation, type \times followed by a space.
00D7, Alt + X
HTML
Use × or ×.
× or ×
× and Related Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Unicode | How to type |
|---|---|---|---|
| × | Multiplication sign | U+00D7 | Alt + 0215 · × |
| ⋅ | Dot operator | U+22C5 | ⋅ · Word: 22C5 Alt+X |
| · | Middle dot | U+00B7 | Alt + 0183 · Mac: Option + Shift + 9 · · |
| * | Asterisk | U+002A | Shift + 8 — the operator in code and spreadsheets |
| ✕ | Multiplication X (dingbat) | U+2715 | Used as a "close" icon, not for maths |
In typeset maths, a raised dot (a ⋅ b) is common for multiplying variables, while × is common for numbers and dimensions. Unicode's middle dot (·) is often used as a quick substitute for the dot operator because it has a keyboard shortcut.
When to Use ×
- Dimensions and resolutions:
1920 × 1080,2 × 4 lumber,A4 is 210 × 297 mm. - Magnification:
10× zoom,4× speed. - Arithmetic in prose:
3 × 4 = 12. - Biology: crosses between species or varieties, such as
Citrus × sinensis.
Using the letter x works visually in a pinch, but × is centred on the line, is the correct semantic character, and is read aloud as "times" by most screen readers.
Spreadsheets, Code & Shortcuts
- Excel, Google Sheets and programming languages use
*for multiplication. A × inside a formula is treated as text and causes an error. - LaTeX:
\timesfor ×,\cdotfor the centred dot. - Mac Text Replacement: System Settings → Keyboard → Text Replacements → add
;x→ × to type it anywhere. - Android (Gboard): tap
?123, then=\<; × and ÷ are on the second symbols page.
Technical Details
Unicode: U+00D7
HTML Entity: ×
HTML Decimal: ×
Alt Code (Windows): Alt + 0215
Unicode block: Latin-1 Supplement
Name: MULTIPLICATION SIGN