×
× Multiplication Sign
The multiplication sign (×) means “times”. It is a distinct character from the letter x, which is why 3 × 4 and 3 x 4 are not the same thing.
Also known as: multiplication sign, times symbol, times sign, x symbol for multiply.
Codes
| Symbol | × | |
| Unicode | U+00D7 | |
| HTML entity (named) | × | |
| HTML entity (decimal) | × | |
| HTML entity (hex) | × | |
| CSS | \00D7 | |
| LaTeX | \times | |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 0215 |
How to type × (Multiplication Sign)
WindowsAlt + 0215
Hold Alt and type 0215 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
Mac
No default keystroke. Open Character Viewer (Control + Cmd + Space) and search “multiplication sign”, or copy × above.
Microsoft Word00D7, Alt + X
Type 00D7, then press Alt + X to convert it to ×.
Google Docs
Insert → Special characters, then search “multiplication”.
LaTeX\times
Use \times in math mode: 3 \times 4. Use \cdot for the dot form (3 · 4), which is preferred in algebra where × could be mistaken for a variable.
Usage
- × is the multiplication sign: 3 × 4 = 12. It is also the “by” in dimensions and resolutions: a 1920 × 1080 screen, a 4 × 6 photo.
- × vs the letter x — the trap this page exists for. × is U+00D7; the letter x is U+0078. They look similar in some fonts but are different characters, and the letter will not typeset, align or read as an operator. In algebra, prefer the dot (·) or juxtaposition anyway, since x is usually a variable.
- In vector maths, the cross product is written a × b. Unicode has a dedicated ⨯ (U+2A2F, vector or cross product) for typesetting, though × is widely accepted.
- × is not a cross mark. ✕ (U+2715) and ✗ (U+2717) are the “wrong answer” and ballot marks — use those for a close button or a checklist, not for multiplication.