The multiplication sign × is Alt+0215 on Windows and Option+Shift+V on many Mac layouts. It means "times" in arithmetic and "by" in dimensions, as in 1920 × 1080. It is a distinct character from the letter x, and the two are not interchangeable.
01 All shortcuts at a glance
| Platform | Shortcut | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows (Alt code) | Hold Alt, type 0215 on the numpad |
|
| Windows (any app) | Win+. or Win+; emoji/symbol picker, or Character Map (Win+R → charmap) |
|
| Mac | Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer, search "Multiplication Sign" |
|
| Word / Outlook | Type 00D7, then press Alt+X |
|
| Linux (IBus) | Ctrl+Shift+U, then 00d7, then Enter |
|
| HTML / CSS | × · \00d7 (CSS) |
02 Step by step, per platform
A real, followable procedure for every platform, not a thin restatement of the shortcut.
Windows
- Make sure Num Lock is on.
- Hold Alt and type 0215 on the numeric keypad.
- Release Alt, × appears.
Mac
- Press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer.
- Type "Multiplication Sign" in the search field.
- Double-click the result to insert it.
Microsoft Word
- Type 00D7.
- Press Alt+X immediately after, it converts the hex code to ×.
03 Characters in this set
04 Troubleshooting & confusables
| Looks like it | But it's actually | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| x (U+0078) | The lowercase letter x | Never for multiplication in typeset text. It is narrower and sits at letter height. |
| ✕ (U+2715) | Multiplication X, a dingbat | A decorative close icon. It is not a maths operator. |
| · (U+00B7) | Middle dot, used as a multiplication sign in Europe | Common in continental notation, where 3·4 means three times four. |
05 FAQ
What is the Unicode code point for the multiplication sign?
It is U+00D7, decimal 215. Alt+0215 types it on Windows.
Why not just use the letter x?
The letter is narrower, sits at a different height, and collides with x as a variable. Typeset mathematics and dimension specifications both expect the real operator.
How do I write screen dimensions?
As 1920 × 1080 with thin spaces either side. Many style guides accept 1920×1080 closed up, but they do not accept the letter x.
What symbol does algebra use instead?
Algebra usually drops the operator entirely, writing ab for a times b, because × is easily confused with the variable x. Where an explicit sign is needed, the dot operator at U+22C5 is preferred.
How do I type it on a Mac?
Option+Shift+V on a US layout, though this varies. The reliable route is the Character Viewer at Control+Command+Space, searching for "multiplication sign".