How to type ÷ on Windows
The fastest method on a full-size keyboard is the Alt code Alt+0247.
- Make sure Num Lock is on.
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type 0247 on the numeric keypad (the number row will not work).
- Release Alt. The division symbol ÷ appears.
No numeric keypad?
Press Win+. to open the emoji panel, choose the Symbols tab (Ω) and search for "division". Or open Character Map from the Start menu, find ÷, click Select, then Copy.
How to type ÷ on a Mac
Press Option+/ on the US keyboard layout. Hold the modifier keys and tap the final key once.
For any symbol, the Character Viewer works: press Control+⌘+Space, type "division" in the search box and double-click the result. It will be remembered under Frequently Used.
How to type ÷ on iPhone and iPad
The iOS keyboard does not include ÷, so the reliable way is to copy it from this page, then press and hold in any text field and tap Paste.
If you use it often, create a shortcut: open Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement, paste ÷ in the Phrase field and type a short code such as ;division in the Shortcut field. Typing that code will then insert ÷ anywhere.
How to type ÷ on Android
Copy the symbol from this page, then long-press in a text field and choose Paste. Gboard also keeps a clipboard history: tap the clipboard icon on the toolbar to paste it again later.
For a permanent shortcut, open Gboard settings → Dictionary → Personal dictionary, add ÷ as the word and a short code as the shortcut.
How to type ÷ in Microsoft Word
- Type the Unicode hex code 00F7 where you want the symbol.
- Press Alt+X. Word converts the code into ÷.
This works on Windows in Word, Outlook and OneNote and needs no numeric keypad. You can also go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols, set the font to a Unicode font and type 00F7 in the Character code box. In Excel, the formula =UNICHAR(247) returns the symbol.
How to type ÷ in Google Docs
Open Insert → Special characters, then either search for "division" or draw the symbol in the sketch box. Click the result to insert it. In Google Sheets, use =CHAR(247).
÷ in HTML, CSS and code
| Format | Code |
|---|---|
| HTML entity | ÷ |
| HTML decimal | ÷ |
| HTML hex | ÷ |
CSS content | "\00F7" |
| JavaScript | "\u00F7" |
| Python | "\u00F7" |
| LaTeX | \div |
| URL encoded | %C3%B7 |
Because ÷ is a standard Unicode character (U+00F7), you can also paste it directly into any UTF-8 file. The escaped forms above are only needed when the file encoding is uncertain or the symbol must be entered on a keyboard without it.
Where the division symbol is used
It appears in basic arithmetic and math education, such as "10 ÷ 2 = 5", especially on calculators and in printed textbooks. In algebra and higher math, a forward slash or fraction bar often replaces it, as in "a/b".
Frequently asked questions
Why is ÷ called an obelus? +
The term obelus originally referred to a dagger-like mark used in ancient manuscripts to flag questionable text, and it was later repurposed for the division sign.
Is ÷ still used in advanced math? +
Not commonly. Advanced math and most programming languages use a slash (/) or fraction notation instead of the obelus.
What is the Alt code for the division symbol? +
The Alt code for ÷ is Alt+0247. Hold Alt, type 0247 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
How do I type ÷ on a Mac? +
Press Option+/ on a Mac with the US keyboard layout. You can also open the Character Viewer with Control + Command + Space and search for "division".
How do I type the division symbol on iPhone or Android? +
Phone keyboards do not include ÷ by default. Copy it from this page and paste it, or add it as a text replacement shortcut in Settings so you can type it with a short abbreviation.
What is the HTML code for ÷? +
Use ÷ in HTML. The numeric form ÷ works too. In CSS use content: "\00F7" and in JavaScript use "\u00F7".