Arithmetic Symbols
Explore our complete math symbols list and interactive keyboard to lookup meanings, LaTeX codes, and UTF-8 characters for arithmetic symbols. Fundamental operations of basic mathematics including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, radicals, and powers.
Arithmetic Symbols Table & Meanings
| Action | Symbol | Name | Meaning | Example | LaTeX | Unicode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| + | Plus / Addition | Denotes addition of two values or signifies a positive number. | 3 + 5 = 8 | + | U+002B | |
| − | Minus / Subtraction | Denotes subtraction of values or signifies a negative number. | 9 − 4 = 5 | - | U+2212 | |
| × | Multiplication Sign | Multiplication of two numbers or cross product of two vectors. | 6 × 7 = 42 | \times | U+00D7 | |
| ÷ | Division Sign (Obelus) | Represents the mathematical division operation. | 20 ÷ 4 = 5 | \div | U+00F7 | |
| ± | Plus-Minus Sign | Specifies confidence intervals, measurement tolerances, or two roots (positive and negative). | x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a} | \pm | U+00B1 | |
| ∓ | Minus-Plus Sign | Paired with plus-minus sign to indicate opposing branch sign. | cos(A ± B) = cos A cos B ∓ sin A sin B | \mp | U+2213 | |
| √ | Square Root (Radical) | Yields the principal non-negative value that, when squared, equals the radicand. | √64 = 8 | \sqrt{x} | U+221A | |
| ∛ | Cube Root | The number that, when raised to the 3rd power, yields the given number. | ∛27 = 3 | \sqrt[3]{x} | U+221B | |
| ! | Factorial | Product of all positive integers less than or equal to n. | 5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 120 | n! | U+0021 | |
| % | Percent | Per hundred; parts per 100. | 25% = 0.25 = 1/4 | \% | U+0025 | |
| ‰ | Per Mille (Permil) | Per thousand; parts per 1,000. | 5‰ = 5/1000 = 0.005 | \textperthousand | U+2030 | |
| |x| | Absolute Value / Modulus | Distance of a real number from zero regardless of sign. | |−15| = 15 | |x| | U+007C | |
| ∜ | Fourth Root | Principal fourth root of a number, satisfying r⁴ = x. | ∜16 = 2 | \sqrt[4]{x} | U+221C |
Arithmetic Symbols FAQ
What is the difference between the minus sign (−) and a hyphen (-)?
The mathematical minus sign (U+2212, −) matches the width and vertical alignment of the plus sign (+), ensuring optimal typographical balance in mathematical equations. A hyphen (U+002D, -) is shorter and positioned lower, intended only for joining words.
Which division symbol is preferred in academic publishing (÷ vs / vs fraction bar)?
According to ISO 80000-2 and AMS guidelines, the obelus division sign (÷) should be avoided in advanced mathematics and scientific papers due to potential order-of-operations ambiguity. Instead, a solidus (/) or horizontal fraction bar (\frac{a}{b}) is standard.
How do I type the multiplication sign (×) on Windows and Mac?
On Windows, hold Alt and type 0215 on the numeric keypad (Alt+0215). On Mac, press Option + Shift + 8 (or Option + 8 depending on layout) or copy directly from our 1-click clipboard tool.