How to Type Division Symbol ÷
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The division symbol ÷ (also called the obelus) is used in arithmetic to indicate division. While most people use the forward slash / as a substitute, the proper ÷ symbol is preferred in formal mathematics, textbooks, and educational materials.
This guide shows you how to type ÷ on every platform: Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, Android, and Linux. We also include the multiplication sign × and other arithmetic operators for quick reference.
All math symbols on this page are Unicode characters — they work in any application, from calculators and spreadsheets to social media posts and documents.
Getting the division sign into your text
The division sign (÷), known in typography as the obelus, occupies Unicode point U+00F7 — a horizontal bar with a dot above and below. Type it on Windows by holding Alt and entering 0247 on the numeric keypad. On a Mac the combination is Option+/ (that is, Option plus the forward-slash key). On phones, switch to the "#+=" symbols page, where ÷ sits in plain view next to the multiplication sign, so no long-press is needed.
In HTML the named entity ÷ produces it, and ÷ does the same numerically. The obelus belongs to formal arithmetic and school materials: worksheets, textbooks and primary-maths apps write 12 ÷ 4 = 3 with the proper symbol rather than a slash. That distinction matters, because in code and spreadsheets the forward slash / is the real division operator, while ÷ is purely presentational — a formula in Excel or Python will not accept it. Its natural partner is the multiplication sign × (U+00D7, Alt+0215, ×), and the two are usually introduced together whenever equations need clean, unambiguous operators.
Division Symbol FAQ
The alt code for ÷ is Alt+0247. Hold Alt, type 0247 on the numeric keypad, then release. Num Lock must be enabled. This works in all Windows applications.
Press Option+/ (Option plus the forward slash) on Mac to type ÷ directly. This keyboard shortcut works in all Mac applications — no Character Viewer needed.
÷ (obelus, U+00F7) is the traditional mathematical division symbol used in textbooks and formal notation. / (solidus) is a keyboard character used in programming, fractions, and informal math. Both mean division, but ÷ is the typographically correct symbol.
On Windows, use Alt+0215 for ×. On Mac, use the Character Viewer (Control+Command+Space) and search 'multiplication'. On Chromebook/Linux, use Unicode 00D7. In HTML, use ×.
For division calculations, use / (forward slash): =A1/B1. For the ÷ symbol in a cell, use Alt+0247 on Windows or paste it from this page. In Google Sheets, =CHAR(247) also returns ÷.
The ÷ symbol is called an obelus (from Greek 'obelus' meaning 'pointed stick'). It was historically used in manuscripts to mark doubtful passages. Its use as a division sign dates to 1659 when Swiss mathematician Johann Rahn introduced it.