Multiplication Symbol × Copy & Paste: Dot, Cross & Keyboard
The multiplication symbol (×) is one of the first math symbols anyone learns. But there are actually several ways to represent multiplication: the cross (×), the dot (·), the asterisk (*), and even implicit multiplication (juxtaposition). Every variation is below, ready to copy.
All Multiplication Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Unicode | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| × | Multiplication Sign | U+00D7 | × |
| · | Middle Dot (Scalar Product) | U+00B7 | · |
| ∗ | Asterisk Operator | U+2217 | ∗ |
| ⊗ | Tensor Product | U+2297 | ⊗ |
| * | Asterisk (Programming) | U+002A | * |
When to Use Each Multiplication Symbol
Cross (×) — Elementary Math
The × symbol is the standard multiplication sign taught in schools. Use it for basic arithmetic: 3 × 4 = 12. It is also used for dimensions like 8 × 10 photo prints or 1920 × 1080 screen resolution.
Dot (·) — Advanced Math
The middle dot represents scalar multiplication in linear algebra and physics. The dot product of two vectors a · b produces a scalar. This notation is preferred in higher mathematics because × is reserved for the cross product of vectors.
Asterisk (*) — Programming
Nearly every programming language uses the asterisk for multiplication. In Python, JavaScript, C, Java, and most others, 3 * 4 equals 12. The asterisk was chosen because it was already on standard keyboards.
Juxtaposition — Implied Multiplication
In algebra, multiplication is often implied by placing symbols next to each other: 2x means 2 times x, and ab means a times b. No symbol needed. This is the most common form of multiplication in advanced mathematics.
How to Type the Multiplication Symbol
Windows
- Hold Alt and type 0215 on the numeric keypad for ×
- Hold Alt and type 0183 for ·
- Microsoft Word: type 00D7 then press Alt+X
Mac
- Press Option + Shift + 9 for × (on some layouts)
- Or press Shift + Option + 8 for ·
- Character Viewer: Control+Command+Space, search "multiplication"
Linux
- Press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 00D7, press Enter
iPhone & Android
- iPhone: Tap ?123, then #+=. The × is available on the symbols keyboard. Or copy from this page.
- Android: Tap ?123, then =/<. Find × in symbols. Or copy from above.
LaTeX and HTML Codes
| Format | Code | Result |
|---|---|---|
| LaTeX (cross) | \times | × |
| LaTeX (dot) | \cdot | · |
| HTML Entity | × | × |
| HTML Decimal | × | × |
| CSS Content | \00D7 | × |
Multiplication Symbol vs Letter X
The multiplication sign (×) and the letter x look similar but are different characters. The multiplication sign is slightly larger, has perfectly straight serifs, and is centered differently. In professional typesetting, using the correct character matters. Using x instead of × in a math textbook would be considered a typography error.
Fun Facts
- William Oughtred introduced the × symbol for multiplication in 1631.
- Gottfried Leibniz preferred the dot (·) because he felt × was too easily confused with the letter x.
- In some countries, the × symbol is used for dimensions (screen size, paper size) rather than multiplication.
- The asterisk (*) was adopted for programming because early computer keyboards did not have a dedicated × key.
Related Symbols
- Division (÷): The inverse operation of multiplication
- Plus (+): Addition, the other basic arithmetic operation
- Equals (=): Shows the result of a calculation
- Dot product (·): Scalar multiplication in vector math