How to type the division symbol (÷) on Windows
To type the division symbol on Windows, hold Alt and type 0247 on the numeric keypad. The older code Alt + 246 gives the same ÷ in most apps. On a laptop without a keypad, use the emoji panel (Win + .) or type 00F7 then Alt + X in Word.
Quick answer
Hold Alt and type 0247 on the numeric keypad: ÷.
Step by step
Switch on Num Lock
Alt codes need the separate number pad with Num Lock on.
Hold Alt
Keep the left Alt key pressed.
Type 0247
Use the keypad digits, not the row above the letters.
Let go of Alt
The obelus ÷ appears.
÷ has a name: the obelus
The division sign is officially called an obelus. It became the school symbol for division in English-speaking countries, and it is printed on the divide key of most calculators. In code and in most of continental Europe, division is written with a slash (/) or a colon (:) instead, so ÷ is mainly for maths worksheets, recipes and puzzles.
Which alt code should you use?
Alt + 0247 uses the Windows-1252 character set and works in virtually every Windows program. Alt + 246 comes from code page 437, the set built into the first PCs, and still works in Notepad, Word and most browsers. They produce the same character, U+00F7. You will find both in our alt code chart.
Laptops without a number pad
- Press Win + ., choose the Symbols tab (Ω), and pick ÷ from the maths group.
- In Word, Outlook or WordPad’s successors, type 00F7 and press Alt + X.
- In Excel,
=UNICHAR(247)returns ÷, although a formula still needs / to actually divide.
Do not type ÷ in formulas
Spreadsheets and programming languages do not understand ÷ as an operator. Excel will treat =10÷2 as an error or as text. Keep ÷ for display, and use / for calculations. The same applies to × and the letter x for multiplication; the multiplication sign page explains the difference.
For the HTML entity (÷) and every other code, open the division symbol page. The Windows symbols guide covers the other maths signs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the alt code for ÷?
Alt + 0247 on the numeric keypad. Alt + 246 also works in most programs.
How do I type the division sign on a laptop?
Press Win + . and find ÷ in the Symbols tab, or type 00F7 and press Alt + X in Microsoft Word.
Can I use ÷ in an Excel formula?
No. Excel only divides with the slash (/). You can display ÷ with =UNICHAR(247), but the calculation itself needs /.