Multiplication has several signs used for multiplication equations. Three common ones are explained below.  They are the saltire (×), which is a raised cross, the dot (•) which is in the middle of the line of writing, and the asterisk (*) which is at the top of the line of writing.

The × Sign

The multiplication sign (×) is based on a geometric shape called a saltire. A saltire is a diagonal cross.  Historically, this symbol was also called Saint Andrew’s Cross or the cruz decussata.

The multiplication symbol (×) is found in a book from 1618.  Experts believe that William Oughtred of England introduced the saltire (×) symbol for multiplication.

The multiplication symbol is higher than the middle of the line of writing.

For example,

     3 × 4

The formal multiplication sign (×) is not exactly the same as the letter lowercase (small) “x” on the keyboard.

For example, 3 × 4 does not look the same as 3 x 4.

Although the saltire (×) is the formal, correct sign, many people will simply type the “x” letter for the multiplication sign because it is easier. You will type the “x” letter in this book for the multiplication sign to answer your multiplication questions.

The • Sign

A German mathematician, Gottfried Leibniz, wrote to William Oughtred and complained that the saltire (×) could be easily confused with the letter “x” (which is used in higher levels of mathematics). Gottfried Leibniz suggested and introduced the dot (•) for a multiplication sign. 

For example,

3 • 4

The multiplication dot (•) is more popular in Europe; however, you will see it in the United States, too. 

The name of this multiplication symbol for computers is the “dot operative.” The multiplication dot can be typed as follows: ALT 0149

The * (asterisk) Sign

Computer language relies on a limited set of characters.  Neither the mid-line dot operative (•) nor the raised saltire (×) are in the basic ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange). When computers came into society, the asterisk (*) was adopted to type a multiplication sign.

The asterisk can be typed as follows:  SHIFT 8

Summary

Multiplication has three common signs

• The formal saltire (×) is usually typed with the letter “x”.
• The dot (•) which can be typed on a computer with ALT 0149.
• The asterisk (*) which can be typed with Shift 8.

Derived from William Oughtred – Wikipedia accessed and available online 15 February 2025.

Derived from Saltire – Wikipedia accessed and available 16 February 2025.

Derived from Maths Symbols – Maths from the Past accessed and available online 16 February 2025.