Asterisk operator ∗
The mathematical version of the asterisk. It's centred on the math axis instead of floating high like the keyboard *.
Asterisk operator codes
| Unicode | U+2217 |
| Official name | ASTERISK OPERATOR |
| Unicode block | Mathematical Operators |
| HTML (hex) | ∗ |
| HTML (decimal) | ∗ |
| HTML (named) | ∗ |
| CSS | content: "\2217"; |
| JavaScript | "\u2217" |
| Python | "\N{ASTERISK OPERATOR}" |
| URL-encoded | %E2%88%97 |
| UTF-8 bytes | E2 88 97 |
How to type ∗
- Mac: press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer and search for “asterisk operator”. Or switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, hold Option and type
2217. - Windows: in Word, type
2217and press Alt + X. Windows has no Alt code for this character, so copying it from this page is the fastest route in other apps. - Chromebook and Linux: press Ctrl + Shift + U, type
2217, then press Space or Enter. - iPhone and Android: copy it from this page, then save it as a text replacement so a short code like
;asttypes it for you. Here's how on iPhone.
What the asterisk operator is used for
- Convolution in math and signal processing: f ∗ g.
- A generic binary operation in abstract algebra.
- Typeset formulas, where the raised keyboard * would look out of place.
Good to know
In LaTeX this is \ast. Because it's vertically centred, it lines up with +, − and = in an equation. The keyboard asterisk sits above them. Use this one when you're setting math, and the keyboard * when you're writing code people will copy.
Will it show up? Supported by most system fonts on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.