How to Type the Division Sign (÷): Alt Codes, Mac and More
Quick answer: on Windows, hold Alt and type 0247 (or 246) on the numeric keypad to get ÷. On a Mac press Option+/. In Word, 00F7 then Alt+X also works. Spreadsheets and code divide with the slash /.
Quick reference: every method
Every Alt code below is verified against the real Windows code pages — where none exists we say so, rather than list one that won’t work.
| Char | Name | Windows | Mac | HTML | Word (Alt+X) | Unicode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ÷ | Division Sign | Alt+0247 |
Option+/ |
÷ |
00F7 + Alt+X |
U+00F7 |
| ∕ | Division Slash | Copy / paste | Copy / paste | ∕ |
2215 + Alt+X |
U+2215 |
| ⁄ | Fraction Slash | Copy / paste | Copy / paste | ⁄ |
2044 + Alt+X |
U+2044 |
Windows: two real Alt codes
The division sign is one of the few symbols that exists in both of Windows' old character tables, so two codes work:
Alt+0247: the leading-zero code from Windows-1252.Alt+246: the short code from DOS code page 437.
Hold the left Alt key, type the digits on the numeric keypad with Num Lock on, then release Alt. Note that Alt+0246 (zero plus 246) gives ö, not ÷. If nothing happens, see Alt codes not working.
Mac
Press Option+/ on the US or ABC layout. On other layouts the key may differ; the Character Viewer (Control+Command+Space, search "division") always works.
Word, Google Docs, Excel
- Word: type
00F7then Alt+X. In an equation,\divfollowed by a space gives ÷. - Google Docs: Insert → Special characters, search "division".
- Excel and Google Sheets: divide with
/in formulas (=A1/B1). The ÷ sign is text only; use it in labels.
Phones
Gboard and many Android keyboards show ÷ on the second symbols page (?123, then =\<). The iPhone keyboard has no ÷ key, so copy it from this page and save a text replacement such as ;div → ÷.
HTML and code
HTML: ÷ or ÷. CSS: content: "\00F7";. JavaScript: "÷". In every programming language the operator for division is still /.
÷ vs / vs ∕ vs ⁄
| Sign | Name | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| ÷ | division sign (obelus) | Arithmetic for people: 12 ÷ 3 |
| / | solidus (slash) | Formulas, code, dates, "and/or" |
| ∕ | division slash | Maths typesetting where a distinct operator is wanted |
| ⁄ | fraction slash | Building fractions such as 7⁄16 (see fraction symbols) |
In higher maths and in international standards, division is usually written as a fraction or with a slash, and ÷ is rare. In some places ÷ has also been used with other meanings, so in technical documents the slash or a fraction is the safer choice.
Related
See also × multiplication, ± plus-minus, our division sign symbols collection and the math symbols hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Alt code for the division sign?
Alt+0247 (with the leading zero) or Alt+246 (without it) both give ÷ on Windows. Type the digits on the numeric keypad with Num Lock on.
How do I type ÷ on a Mac?
Press Option + / (forward slash) on the US or ABC keyboard layout.
Why is there no division key on the keyboard?
Keyboards were designed around the slash /, which programming languages and spreadsheets use for division. The ÷ sign is mainly used in early-school arithmetic and on calculators.
Should I use ÷ or / ?
Use ÷ for simple arithmetic written for people, such as 12 ÷ 3 = 4. Use / in formulas, code and higher maths, where division is usually written as a fraction or with a slash.
Looking for something else? Browse 1,000+ copy-paste symbols, the full Alt Codes finder, or the emoji picker.