Multiplication Sign (×) on Keyboard — How to Type the Times Sign
The multiplication sign × (also called the times sign) is the “proper” math symbol for multiplication.
People often need it for math homework, school worksheets, Word documents, Excel text, and PowerPoint slides.
It’s also commonly confused with the letter x and the asterisk *. They look similar, but they are not the same.
Fastest ways to type Multiplication sign
Use whichever method is easiest for you:
- Copy and paste: ×
- Windows (Alt code): Hold Alt and type 0215 on the numeric keypad
- Microsoft Word (Equation): Press Alt + =, type \times, then press Space → ×
- Word / Excel / PowerPoint (Insert Symbol): Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → type 00D7 in Character code → Insert
- Mac:Option + 00D7
- If it doesn’t work, use copy/paste or Insert Symbol (the safe options)
Step-by-step: Type the Multiplication Sign (×) on Windows
Method A: Windows Alt code (Alt + 0215)
- Click where you want to type the symbol.
- Turn Num Lock ON.
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Using the numeric keypad, type 0215.
- Release Alt → × appears.
Important notes (Windows Alt codes):
- The numbers must be typed on the numeric keypad (not the number row above the letters).
- Many laptops don’t have a true numeric keypad. If yours doesn’t, use Insert Symbol or copy/paste.
Step-by-step: Type the Multiplication Sign (×) on Mac
Method B: Mac shortcut (Option + 00D7)
- Click where you want to type the symbol.
- Press Option + 00D7.
If it doesn’t work (easy fallback):
- Copy and paste: ×
- Or, in Word/Office apps: Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → Character code 00D7 → Insert
How to Type the Multiplication Sign (×) in Microsoft Word
This is the most common place people need the times sign. Here are the best methods.
Method 1: Word Equation method (fast for math)
- Click where you want the symbol.
- Press Alt + = (this opens an equation box).
- Type \times
- Press Space → × appears.
Method 2: Insert Symbol (most reliable)
- Click where you want the symbol.
- Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.
- In the Symbol dialog, find the Character code box.
- Type 00D7.
- Click Insert, then close the dialog.
Method 3: Windows Alt code (if you have a numeric keypad)
- Hold Alt and type 0215 on the numeric keypad → ×
How to Type the Multiplication Sign (×) in Excel and PowerPoint
Method 1: Insert Symbol (simple and reliable)
- Click in a cell (Excel) or a text box (PowerPoint).
- Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.
- Type 00D7 in Character code.
- Click Insert.
Method 2: Copy and paste
- Copy: ×
- Paste where you need it.
Google Docs and Google Sheets
The safest method (works every time):
- Copy and paste: ×
Optional (if you want to search for it inside Google’s symbol picker):
- Use the Special characters picker and search for “multiplication sign”.
What the Multiplication Sign (×) Means (with simple examples)
The symbol × means “multiply.”
Examples:
- 6 × 7 = 42
- 2 × (3 + 4) = 14
Common Confusion: × vs x vs *
× vs x (letter x)
- × is the proper multiplication sign in math.
- x is a letter (and can confuse readers, especially in algebra or text).
× vs * (asterisk)
- * is often used on computers when people can’t easily type ×.
- In math writing, × is clearer and more professional.
Quick Excel note (keep it simple)
- If you’re multiplying in an Excel formula, you may actually need the asterisk * instead of ×.
Troubleshooting
Alt code not working on Windows
Try these fixes:
- Num Lock is OFF → turn it ON and try again.
- You’re not using the numeric keypad → Alt codes require the keypad numbers.
- Your laptop doesn’t have a numpad → use Insert Symbol or copy/paste instead.
The symbol shows as a box (□) or looks wrong
That usually means a font problem.
- Try changing the font to another common font.
- Or insert it using Insert → Symbol (Office usually picks a supported symbol font automatically).
FAQ (People Also Ask)
How do I type the multiplication sign (×) on Windows?
Hold Alt and type 0215 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
What is the Alt code for ×?
The Alt code is 0215 (typed with Alt + 0215 on the numeric keypad).
How do I type × on Mac?
Use Option + 00D7. If it doesn’t work, use copy/paste or Insert Symbol.
How do I insert the times sign in Word?
Fastest: Alt + =, type \times, press Space.
Or use Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → Character code 00D7 → Insert.
How do I write multiplication in Excel?
If you’re writing normal text, use × (copy/paste or Insert Symbol).
If you’re writing an Excel formula, you may need the asterisk *.
Why does Alt+0215 not work on my laptop?
Most laptops don’t have a true numeric keypad, and Alt codes require it. Use Insert Symbol or copy/paste instead.
Quick recap
- Need it instantly? Copy/paste: ×
- Windows: Alt + 0215 (numeric keypad)
- Word (math): Alt + = → \times → Space
- Word/Excel/PowerPoint: Insert Symbol → Character code 00D7
- Mac: Option + 00D7 (fallback: copy/paste)