Division Sign Shortcut (÷)
To type the division sign (÷): press ⌥/ (Option+forward-slash) on a Mac, or hold Alt and type 0247 on the numeric keypad on Windows. Use it in math like 12 ÷ 3 = 4.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Division sign ÷ | ⌥+/ | Alt+0247 | |
| Multiplication sign × | ⌥+Shift+9 (×) | Alt+0215 | |
| Plus-minus ± | ⌥+Shift+= | Alt+0177 | |
| Not equal ≠ | ⌥+= | Alt+8800 | |
| Approximately ≈ | ⌥+X | Alt+247 | |
| Square root √ | ⌥+V | Alt+251 | |
| Degree ° | ⌥+Shift+8 | Alt+0176 |
The division sign on Mac vs Windows
The division sign (÷) is used for arithmetic like 12 ÷ 3 = 4. On a Mac press ⌥/ (Option+/). On Windows, hold Alt and type 0247 on the numeric keypad, then release. No number pad? Copy the ÷ above, or use the Windows emoji panel Win+. and search for the character.
When to use ÷
The ÷ (obelus) is the classic division sign. In spreadsheets and code, division is written with a forward slash instead: 12/3. Use ÷ for readable math text, / for formulas.
Type ÷ anywhere
On a Mac press ⌥/ (Option and the slash key). On Windows hold Alt and type 0247 on the numeric keypad. Both insert the true division sign ÷, not the slash /.
Division slash vs. division sign
For inline math many people use the slash (6/2). The dedicated ÷ sign reads better in documents and spreadsheets — use the shortcut above or just copy it from here.
Troubleshooting: Alt code types the wrong character
If Alt+0247 gives the wrong symbol, Num Lock is off or you used the top-row numbers. Enable Num Lock and use the keypad. On compact keyboards use Windows → Character Map or Mac's Edit → Emoji & Symbols (⌃⌘Space) as a fallback.
FAQ
What is the division sign shortcut?
On a Mac press ⌥/ (Option+/). On Windows hold Alt and type 0247 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
How do I type ÷ on a laptop without a number pad?
Copy the ÷ from this page, or on Windows open the emoji panel with Win+. and search for it. On Mac ⌥/ works on any keyboard.
How do I type the division symbol on a laptop?
On Mac press ⌥/ (Option and the forward-slash key). On Windows without a number pad, copy the ÷ from this page or open the emoji panel with Win+. and search "division".
My Alt code for ÷ isn't working — why?
Alt codes (Alt+0247) need the numeric keypad with Num Lock on, not the number row. On laptops without a keypad, hold Fn + the embedded number keys, or copy the ÷ symbol from this page instead.
How do I type the division sign on a Mac?
Press Option+/ (⌥ and the forward-slash key) to insert ÷ directly. No Character Viewer needed.