How to Type the Ø Symbol (Average Sign)?

Complete guide for typing the Ø symbol on computer, smartphone, and in all programs

Copy the Average Symbol

The Ø symbol (or the small variant ø) is primarily used in technical drawings to indicate the diameter of round objects, such as holes, tubes, or axes. It's therefore not a mathematical average of numbers, but a geometric diameter of a circle.

When we talk about the mathematical average of numbers (including grade average), there is no single symbol for it. In mathematics, x with a bar above it (x̅) is often used, which indicates the arithmetic mean.

Difference Between Large Ø and Small ø

There are two variants of this symbol:

  • Large Ø - used in official technical drawings and documentation
  • Small ø - more common in informal communication and texts

How to Type Ø on Computer?

Depending on your operating system, you can use one of the following methods:

  • Windows: Press Alt + 0216 (Ø) or Alt + 0248 (ø) on the numeric keypad
  • macOS: Press Option + Shift + O for Ø
  • macOS: Press Option + O for ø
  • Linux: Press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00D8 (Ø) or 00F8 (ø) and press Enter

How to Type Ø on Smartphone?

On mobile devices, typing Ø is easier:

  • iOS (iPhone/iPad): Hold the O key and select Ø or ø from the menu
  • Android: Hold the O key and select Ø or ø from the menu

How to Type Ø in Programs?

In office applications, you can use these methods:

  • Microsoft Word: Insert → Symbol → Ø or use the shortcut as on Windows
  • Google Docs: Insert → Special characters → search for 'O with stroke'
  • Excel: Same as in Word, or use the function =CHAR(216) for Ø or =CHAR(248) for ø

How to Type Ø in HTML?

For web developers and authors of technical documentation:

Direct use of the character

You can insert the Ø character directly in HTML code:

<span>Average: Ø</span>

HTML entity (named)

Use the HTML entity:

<span>Average: &Oslash;</span>

Displays as: Average: Ø

HTML entity (numeric)

Or use the numeric code:

<span>Average: &#216;</span>

Displays as: Average: Ø

Markdown

In Markdown, you can type the character directly:

Average: Ø

In most Markdown editors, you can use the Ø character directly without special adjustments.

Conclusion

The Ø symbol is primarily a technical symbol for indicating the diameter of objects, but is often (incorrectly) also used for mathematical average. Either way, now you know how to type this symbol on any device or in any program.