If you’re creating a math worksheet, academic paper, or financial report, you’ll likely need the division symbol in Word (÷). Unlike regular characters, it’s not directly available on the keyboard, but Microsoft Word offers several ways to insert it efficiently across all systems, including Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu. In this post, we’ll show you how to type or insert the ÷ symbol quickly using built-in shortcuts, Unicode, and insert menus.
➗ What Is the Division Symbol (÷)?
The division symbol (÷), also known as an obelus, is used to represent mathematical division. It’s often used in:
- Educational materials
- Mathematical equations
- Technical or scientific writing
Although replaced by the forward slash (/) in many programming contexts, ÷ is still widely recognized in academic and printed content.
🪟 How to Type the Division Symbol in Word on Windows
✅ Method 1: Alt Code
- Hold the Alt key
- Type 0247 on the numeric keypad
- Release Alt → ÷ appears
📌 This method works in all versions of Microsoft Word. Ensure Num Lock is on.
✅ Method 2: Insert Symbol Menu
- Go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols
- In the Character Code field, enter 00F7
- Make sure the font is set to a standard one like Calibri or Arial
- Click Insert
✅ Method 3: Equation Editor
- Press Alt + = to open the Equation Editor
- Type
\divand press Spacebar - Word will convert it into the ÷ symbol
✅ This is ideal for documents with multiple equations or expressions.
🍏 How to Insert Division Symbol in Word on macOS
✅ Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut
- Press Option + / (forward slash)
- The ÷ symbol will appear immediately
💡 This is the quickest method on macOS.
✅ Method 2: Character Viewer
- Press Control + Command + Space to open the character viewer
- Search for “division”
- Double-click on the ÷ symbol to insert it
✅ This method works in Word and most Mac applications.
🐧 How to Type Division Symbol in Word on Ubuntu
Ubuntu users typically work in:
- LibreOffice Writer
- Microsoft Word Online
✅ LibreOffice Writer Method
- Go to Insert > Special Character
- Choose Mathematical Operators in the character set
- Select ÷ and click Insert
✅ Unicode Shortcut
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U
- Type 00F7 and hit Enter → ÷ appears
✅ Word Online (Browser-based)
- Go to Insert > Symbol
- Locate or search for the ÷ symbol
- Click to insert into the document
📋 Quick Summary Table – How to Insert ÷ in Word
| Platform | Method | Shortcut / Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Alt Code | Alt + 0247 |
| Windows | Equation Editor | Alt + = → \div + Space |
| macOS | Keyboard Shortcut | Option + / |
| macOS | Character Viewer | Ctrl + Cmd + Space → search “÷” |
| Ubuntu | Unicode Input | Ctrl + Shift + U → 00F7 + Enter |
| Ubuntu | LibreOffice Special Char | Insert > Special Character > ÷ |
| Word Online | Symbol Menu | Insert > Symbol → ÷ |
📌 Copy & Paste Ready
If all else fails, just copy this:
👉 ÷
❓ FAQ – Division Symbol in Word
Can I use the ÷ symbol in Word equations?
Yes, type \div in the Equation Editor and press Space. It automatically formats to ÷.
Does the Alt code method work on all keyboards?
It works only on Windows keyboards with a numeric keypad. Laptop users may need to enable a virtual keypad.
Can I use the division symbol in PowerPoint or Excel?
Yes! The same insert and Alt code methods apply in all Microsoft Office applications.
What font supports the division symbol?
Fonts like Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman, and Cambria Math support ÷.
Is ÷ the same as a forward slash (/)?
Functionally, yes for most users, but the ÷ symbol is preferred for clarity in printed math content.
✅ Conclusion
Adding the division symbol in Word is simple once you know how. Whether you’re using Alt + 0247 on Windows, Option + / on macOS, or Unicode input on Ubuntu, the methods are fast and reliable. You can also use the Equation Editor to keep everything formatted professionally, especially in academic and scientific documents.
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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