How to insert multiplication symbol and division sign in Word

Word 2016
The multiplication sign × (also known as the times sign or the dimension sign) is the mathematical sign for the multiplication operation. There are several popular representations for the multiplication operation: a cross (×), a dot (), or an asterisk ().

See also how to insert X mark in Word.

The division sign ÷ is a mathematical symbol in the form of a colon (), obelus (÷), or slash or solidus (/) used to denote the division operator. In most standards, the slash (/) is used as a division sign for linear representation or a fraction bar for structured representation. Symbols ÷ and can define a data range.

We strongly recommend using the Equation tools to insert any type of equation or mathematical, financial, or even logical formulas and expressions.

A lowercase Latin letter X often substitutes the multiplication sign, but this is a mistake that you need to avoid.

To create a perfect document, use one of the following ways to insert a multiplication symbol, or a division sign:

The standard way: using the Symbol dialog box:

To open the Symbol dialog box, do the following:

   1.   On the Insert tab, in the Symbols group, select the Symbol button, and then click More Symbols...:

More Symbols in Word 365

   2.   On the Symbol dialog box:

  • Select the symbol you want to insert:

    For example:

    • The multiplication sign:
      Multiplication symbol in Symbols Word 365
    • The dot symbol:
      Dot symbol in Symbols Word 365
    • Choose the Symbol font from the Font list, and then select the division symbol:
      Division symbol in Symbols Word 365
  • Click the Insert button to insert the symbol to the current cursor position.
  • Click the Cancel button to close the Symbol dialog box.

Using a shortcut key:

In Microsoft Word, you can use Unicode to insert any of the used symbols:

Shortcut key Symbol
Multiplication sign Type 00d7 or 00D7 (does not matter, uppercase or lowercase) and immediately press Alt+X ×
Multiplication X Type 2715 and immediately press Alt+X
Vector or cross product symbol Type 2a2f or 2A2F and immediately press Alt+X
Middle dot Type 00b7 or 00B7 and immediately press Alt+X ·
Dot symbol Type 22c5 or 22C5 and immediately press Alt+X
Division sign Type 00f7 or 00F7 and immediately press Alt+X ÷

The quicker way: using AutoCorrect for Math:

When you work with many documents and often need to paste a single special symbol, you do not need to insert an equation each time. Microsoft Word offers a helpful feature named AutoCorrect. The AutoCorrect options in Microsoft Word propose two different ways to quickly add any special character, or even large pieces of text:

Using this method, you can benefit from the Math AutoCorrect options without inserting an equation. To turn on or turn off the AutoCorrect of the Math symbols, do the following:

   1.   On the File tab, click Options:

Word 365 options

   2.   In the Word Options dialog box, on the Proofing tab, click the AutoCorrect Options... button:

AutoCorrect Options in Word 365

   3.   In the AutoCorrect dialog box, on the Math AutoCorrect tab, select the Use Math AutoCorrect rules outside of the math regions option:

Use Math AutoCorrect rules outside of the math regions in Word 365

After clicking OK, you can use any of the listed Names of symbols, and Microsoft Word will replace them with the appropriate symbols:

Multiplication symbol in Word 365,    Middle Dot symbol in Word 365,    Division sign in Word 365.

Note: If you do not need the last replacement, click Ctrl+Z to cancel it.

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