How to type the division symbol (÷) on a Mac
To type the division symbol on a Mac, press Option + /, the forward-slash key next to the right Shift. The ÷ appears immediately in Pages, Word, Notes, Safari and every other app on the standard US and British keyboard layouts.
Quick answer
Press Option + / to get ÷.
Step by step
Click where ÷ should go
Put the text cursor in place.
Hold Option
The Option key is marked ⌥ (and “alt” on some keyboards).
Press the slash key
Tap / once. The slash turns into the division sign.
Why Option + slash?
Apple placed the division sign on the key that already means “divide” in computing, the slash. Nearby shortcuts follow the same logic: Option + Shift + = gives ± and Option + = gives ≠. Multiplication × has no Option shortcut on the US layout; use the Character Viewer for it or see the multiplication sign page.
Other keyboard layouts
On layouts such as German or French the slash is in a different place, so the shortcut moves or disappears. If Option + / gives something else, switch to the U.S. or British input source for a moment, or press Control + Command + Space, search for “division” and double-click ÷.
In Numbers and Excel for Mac
You can type ÷ into a cell as text, but formulas still need the slash to divide. If you want ÷ to appear in a worksheet heading or a quiz, type it with the shortcut; for a result, keep / in the formula.
Worksheets and teaching materials
Teachers often need ÷ many times in a row. Option + / is quick, but for long worksheets you can also set a text replacement (System Settings → Keyboard → Text Replacements) such as “//d” → ÷. The Mac Option key shortcuts list shows every other symbol on the Option layer, and the math symbols collection has the rest. All the codes for ÷, including ÷ for HTML, are on the division symbol page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mac keyboard shortcut for ÷?
Option + / (the forward-slash key). It works on the US and UK layouts.
How do I type the multiplication sign × on a Mac?
There is no Option shortcut for × on the US layout. Use the Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space) and search “multiplication”.
Does Option + / work on an iPad keyboard?
Yes, with a hardware keyboard such as the Magic Keyboard. The on-screen iPad keyboard has no ÷ key.