How to insert multiplication symbol and division sign in Word

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...:

   2.   On the Symbol dialog box:

• Select the symbol you want to insert:

  For example:

  • The multiplication sign:
    
  • The dot symbol:
    
  • Choose the Symbol font from the Font list, and then select the division symbol:
    
• 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 the Replace text as you type function of the AutoCorrect options.
• Using the Math AutoCorrect options:

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:

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

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

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

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