Multiplication Sign (×): Meaning, Uses and How to Type It

The multiplication sign × is the cross you learn in primary school: 3 × 4 = 12. It is not the letter x, and it is only one of three ways to write multiplication. Algebra and physics usually prefer a raised dot (a · b) or no symbol at all (2ab), and programming languages use the asterisk (a * b) because × is not on the keyboard.

Below: the characters to copy, the codes for every platform, when to use ×, · or *, and how to write them in LaTeX.

Multiplication Sign (×): Copy and Paste

Copy the sign from the box below, or take the code you need from the table:

1× ⋅ ·
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In math, ⋅ (dot operator) is the correct character for multiplication; · (middle dot) is a punctuation mark that looks the same in most fonts and is easier to type.

Multiplication Sign Definition

a × b is the product of a and b: b added to itself a times for whole numbers, and the area of an a-by-b rectangle in geometry. William Oughtred introduced the cross in 1631, and Gottfried Leibniz later promoted the raised dot because × is easily confused with the variable x.

That confusion is why the cross fades out as math gets more advanced:

• × (cross): arithmetic with numbers, 7 × 8 = 56, and anywhere a dot could be misread as a decimal point.
• · (dot): algebra and units, 2 · 3x or N · m; between numbers in countries that use the comma as decimal separator, 2 · 3 = 6.
• Juxtaposition: writing symbols side by side, 2πr or ab, is the default in algebra.
• * (asterisk): programming and spreadsheets, =A1*B1. In math, ∗ is often used for convolution, f ∗ g.

Uses of the Multiplication Sign

• Scientific notation: 6.022 × 10²³ and 3.00 × 10⁸ m/s. The × is standard here even in advanced texts.
• Dimensions and resolution: a 1920 × 1080 screen, a 3 × 3 matrix, a 2 × 4 timber. Typographers recommend the real × rather than the letter x.
• Vector cross product and Cartesian product: a × b is the cross product of two 3D vectors (a · b is the dot product), and A × B is the set of ordered pairs from two sets. See dot and cross product in LaTeX.
• Magnification and biology: a 10× lens magnifies ten times; in botany and genetics, × marks a hybrid or a cross, as in Mentha × piperita.

How to Type the Multiplication Sign

• Windows: hold Alt and type 0215 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 00D7 and press Alt + X, or insert an equation (Alt + =) and type \times then a space.
• Mac: the US layout has no × shortcut; open the Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space) and search "multiplication." Option + Shift + 9 types the middle dot ·.
• Google Docs: Insert → Special characters and search "multiplication," or type \times in an equation.
• HTML: × for × and ⋅ for ⋅.
• iPhone and Android: Gboard has × on its second symbols page (=\<); the iOS keyboard does not, so copy it or set up a text replacement.
• Excel and code: use *. Typing × into a formula is a text character, not an operator, and causes an error.

Multiplication Sign in LaTeX

Never type the letter x for multiplication in LaTeX: it is set in italic as a variable. Use \times for the cross and \cdot for the centered dot. Both are binary operators, so the spacing is automatic.

1\documentclass{article}
2\usepackage{amsmath}
3\begin{document}
4Arithmetic: $7 \times 8 = 56$.
5
6Scientific notation: $N_A = 6.022 \times 10^{23}\,\mathrm{mol^{-1}}$.
7
8Algebra: $2 \cdot 3x = 6x$, \quad dot product $\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b}$,
9cross product $\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}$.
10
11A $3 \times 3$ matrix and the set $A \times B$.
12
13Product of many sets: $\prod_{i=1}^{n} A_i$.
14
15In text: a 1920\texttimes 1080 display.
16\end{document}
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• \cdot is centred on the math axis; . sits on the baseline and reads as a decimal point.
• \ast gives ∗ for convolution; \texttimes prints × in running text without math mode.
• For products of many factors use \prod (∏), which takes limits like \sum.

For more operators and their spacing, see the mathematical expressions lesson, and find every operator with its LaTeX command on the operator symbol list. The companion sign is covered in the division symbol guide.

Related symbols and guides

• Multiplication symbol page — copy the symbol and its LaTeX command
• Math symbols reference — every symbol in the category with its LaTeX command
• Mathematical expressions in LaTeX — how to typeset these symbols in a document
• Division symbol (÷)
• Plus minus symbol (±)

Multiplication Sign FAQ

What is the symbol for multiplication?

The multiplication sign is ×, a cross (U+00D7). Algebra often uses a raised dot · or writes factors side by side, and programming languages use the asterisk *.

What is the Alt code for the multiplication sign?

Alt + 0215 on the numeric keypad gives ×. In Word you can also type 00D7 and press Alt + X.

Should I use × or · for multiplication?

Use × in arithmetic, scientific notation and dimensions. Use · (or nothing) between variables in algebra, and use · when × could be confused with the letter x. With vectors, the two mean different products: · is the dot product and × is the cross product.

How do I write the multiplication sign in LaTeX?

In math mode write \times for × and \cdot for ·, e.g. $3 \times 4$. In text mode use \texttimes.

Is × the same as the letter x?

No. × (U+00D7) is a symmetric cross centred on the line, while x is a letter. Screen readers, search engines and LaTeX all treat them differently, so use the real sign for products and dimensions.