Mathematical symbols like ± (plus-minus), ÷ (division), × (multiplication), √ (square root), and ∑ (summation) are widely used in equations, programming, and academic writing.
Instead of searching for them online, you can quickly insert them using Alt codes and keyboard shortcuts on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
This guide will show you how to type math symbols easily on different operating systems.
Alt Codes for Math Symbols on Windows
Windows allows you to type mathematical symbols using Alt codes on a numeric keypad.
How to Use Alt Codes on Windows
- Enable Num Lock on your keyboard.
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type the numeric code on the number pad.
- Release the Alt key, and the symbol appears.
Common Math Symbol Alt Codes for Windows
| Symbol | Alt Code | Symbol | Alt Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| ± (Plus-Minus) | Alt + 0177 | × (Multiplication) | Alt + 0215 |
| ÷ (Division) | Alt + 0247 | √ (Square Root) | Alt + 251 |
| ∞ (Infinity) | Alt + 236 | ≈ (Approximately Equal) | Alt + 247 |
| π (Pi) | Alt + 227 | ∑ (Summation) | Alt + 228 |
| ≤ (Less Than or Equal) | Alt + 243 | ≥ (Greater Than or Equal) | Alt + 242 |
| ∫ (Integral) | Alt + 8747 | ∂ (Partial Derivative) | Alt + 8706 |
📌 Note: If your keyboard doesn’t have a number pad, use the Character Map:
- Press Win + R, type charmap, and hit Enter.
- Find and copy the math symbol you need.
Math Symbol Shortcuts for Mac (macOS)
Mac users can insert math symbols using keyboard shortcuts and the Character Viewer.
Mac Keyboard Shortcuts for Math Symbols
| Symbol | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|
| ± (Plus-Minus) | Option + Shift + = |
| × (Multiplication) | Option + 8 |
| ÷ (Division) | Option + / |
| √ (Square Root) | Option + V |
| π (Pi) | Option + P |
| ∑ (Summation) | Option + W |
Using the Character Viewer on Mac
- Press Cmd + Control + Space to open the Character Viewer.
- Search for math symbols and click to insert.
Typing Math Symbols on Linux (Ubuntu & Others)
Linux users can type math symbols using Unicode input or the Compose Key.
Method 1: Unicode Input (Works in Most Linux Distros)
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U.
- Type the Unicode code for the symbol.
- Press Enter, and the symbol appears.
Common Unicode Codes for Math Symbols on Linux
| Symbol | Unicode |
|---|---|
| ± (Plus-Minus) | U+00B1 |
| × (Multiplication) | U+00D7 |
| ÷ (Division) | U+00F7 |
| √ (Square Root) | U+221A |
| ∞ (Infinity) | U+221E |
| π (Pi) | U+03C0 |
| ∑ (Summation) | U+2211 |
Method 2: Using the Compose Key
- Enable the Compose Key in Keyboard Settings.
- Press Compose, then type the sequence:
- +/ – →
± - x x →
× - : – →
÷ - s q r →
√
- +/ – →
📌 Tip: If Unicode input doesn’t work in some programs, use Copy-Paste from a character map.
Using Math Symbols in Word, Excel, Google Docs & Browsers
These math symbols can be used in:
✅ Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
✅ Google Docs, Sheets, Slides
✅ LibreOffice Writer, Calc, Impress
✅ Programming (Python, LaTeX, HTML)
✅ Web Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, Brave, DuckDuckGo, Opera, Ecosia)
✏ Example in a Formula:
- The quadratic formula: x=−b±b2−4ac2ax = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 – 4ac}}{2a}x=2a−b±b2−4ac
📌 Tip: In Microsoft Word, go to Insert → Symbol → Mathematical Operators to find math symbols.
FAQs About Alt Codes for Math Symbols
What is the Alt code for the division symbol (÷)?
The Alt code for ÷ is Alt + 0247 on Windows.
How do I type math symbols on a laptop without a number pad?
Use the Character Map (Windows) or Character Viewer (Mac), or enable Unicode input (Linux).
Can I use Alt codes in Google Docs?
No, but you can insert math symbols using Insert → Special Characters.
How do I type the square root symbol on Mac?
Press Option + V to type √ on macOS.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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