Multiplication in LaTeX (\times)

Where it is used

Produces the cross sign ×, used for multiplication, the vector cross product, and Cartesian products.

In arithmetic, \times writes 3 \times 4 or scientific notation like 6.02 \times 10^{23}. In linear algebra and physics it is the cross product of vectors, \mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}, and it also gives matrix dimensions such as an m \times n matrix. Set theory uses it for the Cartesian product A \times B. Compare \cdot, which is the usual choice for dot products and for multiplication between variables, and the asterisk *, which normally means convolution. The large operator \bigtimes is not in standard LaTeX, so for an indexed Cartesian product many authors write \prod instead.

Also listed under: Linear Algebra, Physics

Minimal compilable example

Paste this into an empty .tex file and compile it with pdfLaTeX, XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX.

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
Multiplication: $\times$

\[ \mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b} = -\,\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{a} \]
\end{document}

Related symbols

• Division\div
• Subtraction-
• Fraction\frac{a}{b}
• Addition+
• Square Root\sqrt{x}
• N-th Root\sqrt[n]{x}

Frequently asked questions

How do I write Multiplication in LaTeX?

Type \times in math mode, for example $\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b} = -\,\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{a}$. It works in plain LaTeX without loading any package.

Which package do I need for \times?

None. \times is part of standard LaTeX, so it compiles with nothing in the preamble but the document class.

Can I use \times in text mode, or only in math mode?

Only in math mode. Outside $...$ LaTeX stops with "Missing $ inserted", so write $\times$ in running text. If you only need the glyph in text, paste the Unicode character × instead (with XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX and a font that has it).