How to Type the Division Symbol (÷) on Your Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Word, Excel, Google Docs)
The division symbol (÷) (also called the obelus) is used in math to mean “divided by” (for example, 10 ÷ 2 = 5). You’ll see it in worksheets, textbooks, and nicely formatted math.
Quick note for Excel: even though people want ÷ for display, Excel formulas use the forward slash (/) for division (example: =10/2), not ÷.
1-Minute Answer (fastest ways)
- Windows (Alt code): Hold Alt and type 0247 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt → ÷
- Mac (fastest): Press Option + / → ÷
If that doesn’t work, use Character Viewer: Control + Command + Space, search division. - Word (fastest):
- Windows: type 00F7 then press Alt + X → ÷
- Or: Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → choose ÷
- Google Docs (fastest): Insert → Special characters → search division (or divide / obelus) → click ÷
- iPhone / Android: ÷ is not always on the built-in keyboard. Fastest is usually copy/paste (below). On some Android keyboards, you may find it in the symbols screens.
Quick Reference (Division Symbol ÷)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | ÷ |
| Name | Division sign / Obelus |
| Unicode | U+00F7 |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 0247 (numeric keypad) |
| HTML | ÷ or ÷ |
How to type ÷ on Windows
Method 1: Alt code (fastest on Windows)
- Click where you want to type ÷.
- Turn Num Lock ON.
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type 0247 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right).
- Release Alt → ÷
Important: This usually will not work using the number row above your letters. You need the numeric keypad.
Method 2: Windows Character Map (works on any Windows PC)
- Click Start.
- Type Character Map and open it.
- (Optional) Check Advanced view.
- In the search box, type division.
- Click ÷, click Select, then Copy.
- Paste it where you need it (Ctrl + V).
Method 3: Windows emoji/symbol panel (may vary)
You can try Win + . (or Win + ;) to open the panel and look under Symbols.
If you don’t see ÷, use Alt code or Character Map instead.
How to type ÷ on Mac
Method 1: Keyboard shortcut (fastest)
- Press Option + / → ÷
Method 2: Character Viewer (works on every Mac)
- Press Control + Command + Space to open Character Viewer.
- Search for division (also try divide or obelus).
- Double-click ÷ to insert it.
How to type ÷ in Microsoft Word (Windows + Mac)
Method 1: Insert Symbol (simple and reliable)
- Go to Insert tab.
- Click Symbol → More Symbols.
- Find ÷ (often under Latin-1 Supplement).
- Click Insert, then Close.
Method 2: Word equation shortcut (\div)
This is great if you’re typing math often.
- Press Alt + = (this inserts an equation box).
- Type \div
- Press Space → it becomes ÷
Method 3: Unicode + Alt+X (Windows Word)
- Type 00F7
- Press Alt + X → ÷
How to type ÷ in Excel
First: Excel division in formulas uses “/”, not “÷”
If you want to divide 10 by 2 in a formula, use:
=10/2
Why? Excel treats / as the division operator. The ÷ symbol is mainly for display, not calculation.
Insert ÷ for display (when you want it to show in a cell)
Option A: Copy/paste
- Copy ÷ from this page and paste into Excel.
Option B: CHAR formula
- In a cell, type:
=CHAR(247)
That outputs: ÷
Option C: Build a “nice looking” display line
Example (shows a formatted equation as text):
=A1&" ÷ "&B1&" = "&A1/B1
So if A1 is 10 and B1 is 2, it can display:
10 ÷ 2 = 5
Option D: Insert Symbol (Excel desktop)
- Go to Insert.
- Choose Symbol (in some versions: Insert → Symbol).
- Select ÷, then Insert.
How to type ÷ in PowerPoint
- Click inside your text box.
- Go to Insert → Symbol (or Insert → Symbol → More Symbols).
- Select ÷ and click Insert.
Tip: If you already know the Alt code (Windows) or Option shortcut (Mac), those work inside PowerPoint too.
How to type ÷ in Google Docs
- Go to Insert → Special characters.
- In the search box, type:
- division
- divide
- obelus
- Click ÷ to insert it.
How to type ÷ in Google Sheets
Use ÷ for display (not for dividing in formulas)
Option A: CHAR(247)
=CHAR(247)→ ÷
Option B: Display example
=A1&" ÷ "&B1&" = "&A1/B1
Reminder
To actually divide in Google Sheets formulas, use:
=A1/B1
How to type ÷ on iPhone and Android
iPhone (iOS)
On the standard iPhone keyboard, ÷ is not always available as a regular typing key. The easiest option is usually:
- Copy and paste: copy ÷ from this page and paste it where you need.
If you’re using a math-focused keyboard app, you may see ÷ in the symbols layout.
Android
On many Android keyboards (like Gboard), ÷ is often in the symbols screens:
- Tap ?123
- Tap =< (or similar)
- Look for ÷
If you don’t see it:
- Use copy/paste from this page, or
- Use your app’s insert symbol feature (where available)
Troubleshooting
“Alt code 0247 isn’t working”
Most common causes:
- Your keyboard doesn’t have a numeric keypad (many laptops don’t).
- Num Lock is OFF.
- You’re using the top row numbers instead of the numeric keypad.
- Try Character Map instead (works on all Windows PCs).
“I can’t find ÷ on my phone keyboard”
That’s normal on many keyboards.
- Use copy/paste, or
- Use a math keyboard app if you need it often.
“Why doesn’t ÷ work in Excel formulas?”
Because Excel uses / as the division operator.
- Use / for calculations.
- Use ÷ only for display (copy/paste or
CHAR(247)).
“Is ÷ the same as / (slash)?”
No:
- ÷ is the division sign used in formatted math.
- / is the forward slash and is used in typing, URLs, and formulas (Excel/Sheets).
- Some people also call ÷ the obelus.
FAQ (People Also Ask)
What is the Alt code for ÷?
Alt + 0247 (use the numeric keypad).
How do I type ÷ on Mac?
Press Option + /.
Or use Character Viewer: Control + Command + Space, search division.
Why doesn’t ÷ work in Excel formulas?
Excel formulas use / for division, not ÷. Use ÷ only for display.
How do I insert ÷ in Word or Google Docs?
- Word: Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → ÷
- Google Docs: Insert → Special characters → search division
What is the Unicode/HTML for ÷?
- Unicode: U+00F7
- HTML:
÷or÷
Quick recap
- Windows: Alt + 0247 (numeric keypad) → ÷
- Mac: Option + / → ÷
- Word: 00F7 + Alt+X (Windows Word) or Insert → Symbol
- Excel/Sheets formulas: use / to divide
Use ÷ for display with copy/paste or CHAR(247) - Google Docs: Insert → Special characters → search division
- Mobile: often easiest is copy/paste