How to Type a Division Sign
The division sign (÷), also called the obelus, is used in mathematical expressions to indicate division. Common in elementary math, calculators, and educational materials.
Quick Reference
Windows
Hold Alt and type 0247 on the numeric keypad.
Alt + 0247
Mac
Press Option + / (forward slash).
Option + /
Linux
Press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00F7, press Enter.
Ctrl + Shift + U, 00F7, Enter
HTML
Use the HTML entity ÷ or numeric ÷.
÷ or ÷
Common Uses
The division sign is most commonly seen in elementary mathematics and on calculator displays. In higher mathematics and programming, division is typically represented with a forward slash (/) or fraction notation.
- Basic arithmetic: 12 ÷ 4 = 3
- Educational materials: Math textbooks and worksheets
- Calculator displays: Standard and scientific calculators
- Elementary math: Teaching division concepts to students
- Problem sets: 144 ÷ 12 = ?
Division Notation Alternatives
Division can be represented in several ways depending on context:
- Obelus (÷): 12 ÷ 3 — Elementary mathematics, calculators
- Forward slash (/): 12/3 — Programming, algebra, most written math
- Fraction bar: ¹²⁄₃ or vertical fraction — Formal mathematics
- Colon (:): 12:3 — Some European countries
In programming and most scientific contexts, the forward slash (/) is preferred over the division sign.
Technical Details
Unicode: U+00F7
HTML Entity: ÷
HTML Decimal: ÷
Alt Code (Windows): Alt + 0247
Name: DIVISION SIGN (also known as OBELUS)