Multiplication / times (×) in LaTeX
The times sign, \times, denotes multiplication, the Cartesian product of sets, or the vector cross product, and is also used to separate the factors in scientific notation and dimensions.
LaTeX command
\timesNot the symbol you meant? Draw it to find the command →
\times shows up in several distinct roles: ordinary arithmetic multiplication (), scientific notation (^{-3}), dimensions of a matrix or array (a matrix), and the Cartesian product of sets ().
In vector calculus, \times specifically denotes the cross product, \mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}, which produces a vector perpendicular to both inputs. This is a different operation from the dot product, \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b}, which produces a scalar, so the two symbols are never interchangeable.
For ordinary multiplication of numbers and variables, mathematicians generally prefer \cdot or plain juxtaposition (ab) over \times, reserving \times for the specific cases above where a plain dot or no symbol at all would be ambiguous or wrong.
Other forms
\cdotcentred dot (·)\astasterisk (∗)Examples
$3 \times 4 = 12$ordinary arithmetic multiplication
$\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}$the vector cross product
$A \times B$the Cartesian product of two sets
$2 \times 10^{-3}$scientific notation
$3 \times 3$the dimensions of a matrix
Tips and common mistakes
- Reserve
\timesfor scientific notation, dimensions, Cartesian products and the vector cross product; use\cdotor plain juxtaposition for everyday multiplication of numbers and variables. \timesfor the cross product and\cdotfor the dot product mean genuinely different operations on vectors, mixing them up changes the answer, not just the notation.- Don't confuse
\timeswith\ast, used for convolution and other operators, or with the Latin letter x. - No package is needed,
\timesis a core LaTeX symbol.
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Convert your maths to LaTeX →FAQ
How do I type the multiplication sign in LaTeX?
Use \times inside maths mode, for example . For everyday multiplication, \cdot or plain juxtaposition is usually preferred instead.
What is the difference between \times and \cdot?
Both can mean multiplication, but \times is also used for the vector cross product, Cartesian products and scientific notation, while \cdot is used for the dot product and general multiplication. For vectors specifically, \times and \cdot are different operations, not stylistic choices.
How do you write scientific notation in LaTeX?
Use \times between the mantissa and the power of ten, for example .
What does A times B mean for sets?
is the Cartesian product, the set of all ordered pairs (a, b) with a in A and b in B.