Multiplication Sign
The multiplication sign is U+00D7. It is the correct operator in 3 × 4 and in dimensions such as 1920 × 1080. It sits on the mathematical axis of the font, centred against the digits, which the letter x does not.
| Symbol | × | |
|---|---|---|
| Unicode | U+00D7 | |
| Name | Multiplication Sign | |
| HTML (named) | × | |
| HTML (decimal) | × | |
| HTML (hex) | × | |
| CSS content | \00D7 | |
| JavaScript / JSON | \u00D7 | |
| UTF-8 bytes | 0xC3 0x97 | |
| UTF-16 units | 0x00D7 | |
| Windows alt code | Alt 0215 or Alt 158 |
How do you type the multiplication sign on each platform?
| Where | How to type it |
|---|---|
| Any device | Click the × at the top of this page. It goes straight to your clipboard, and you paste it with Ctrl+V on Windows or Cmd+V on a Mac. This is the only method that behaves identically everywhere. |
| Windows | Hold Alt and type 0215 or Alt 158 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The number row above the letters does not work for this. |
| macOS | Add Unicode Hex Input under Keyboard settings, switch to it, then hold Option and type 00D7. Without that input source, open the Character Viewer with Control+Command+Space and search for multiplication sign. |
| Linux and ChromeOS | Press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 00d7, then press Enter or the space bar. This works in GTK applications and with IBus. |
| Microsoft Word | Type 00D7 in the document, then press Alt and X together with the cursor immediately after the last digit. Word replaces the digits with ×. |
| Google Docs | Insert, then Special characters, then paste U+00D7 or type multiplication sign in the search box. You can also draw the shape in the sketch pad on the right. |
| Excel and Google Sheets | Use the formula UNICHAR(215) in a cell. Copy the cell and paste it as a value if you want the character rather than the formula. |
| HTML | Write ×, or the numeric reference ×, or ×. On a page served as UTF-8 the character itself also works. |
| CSS | Use content: "\00D7" inside a ::before or ::after rule. Terminate the escape with a space if the next character is also a hexadecimal digit. |
| JavaScript | The escape \u00D7 produces this character inside a string literal, and the same escape is valid in JSON. |
More detail per platform: Windows alt codes, special characters on a Mac, special characters in Word and HTML entities.
Which characters look like the multiplication sign?
Several characters render almost identically to this one, and picking the wrong one breaks search, sorting and screen readers even when it looks right on screen. The multiplication sign × is U+00D7. These are the ones it is confused with.
| Character | Code point | Name | What it is really for |
|---|---|---|---|
| x | U+0078 | Latin Small Letter X | The letter. Sits on the baseline, is asymmetrical in most fonts, and is read aloud as the letter x by screen readers. |
| ✕ | U+2715 | Multiplication X | A dingbat cross used for close buttons. Fills the line box and is too large for arithmetic. |
| ∗ | U+2217 | Asterisk Operator | The multiplication operator in programming-style notation, distinct from the ASCII asterisk. |
Frequently asked questions
Should image dimensions use x or the multiplication sign?
The multiplication sign U+00D7 is the typographically correct choice for 1920 × 1080. The letter x is a widely accepted shortcut in plain text contexts such as filenames.
How do I copy the multiplication sign symbol?
Click the × above or the copy button and it is placed on your clipboard. Paste it anywhere with Ctrl+V or Cmd+V. It is a real text character, so it works in documents, chats and code.
What is the Unicode code point for multiplication sign?
The multiplication sign has the Unicode code point U+00D7. In HTML you can write it as × or ×, or with the named entity ×.
What is the alt code for the multiplication sign symbol?
On Windows, hold the Alt key and type Alt 0215 or Alt 158 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. Copying the × from this page is quicker and works on any device.
Can I use the multiplication sign symbol in HTML and CSS?
Yes. In HTML write × or the named entity ×, and in CSS use content: "\00D7" inside a ::before or ::after rule. The code table on this page has copy buttons for both.
How does it differ from the lookalikes?
Related symbols
Browse the full math symbols hub, or return to the searchable symbol grid.