How to Type the Average Symbol Ø

Complete guide on how to type the diameter/average symbol (Ø) on computer, mobile, and in all programs

Copy the Symbol

The symbol Ø (or its lowercase variant ø) is primarily used in technical and engineering drawings to denote the diameter of circular objects such as holes, pipes, or shafts. So it's not a mathematical average of numbers, but a geometric diameter of a circle.

However, if we're talking about the mathematical average of numbers (including grade average), there is no single definitive symbol for it. In mathematics, x with a bar above it x̅ is often used, which denotes the arithmetic mean (average value) of a set of numbers.

Difference Between Large Ø and Small ø

There are two variants of this character:

  • 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, 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 Mobile

On mobile devices, typing the Ø character 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 keyboard shortcut as on Windows
  • Google Docs: Insert → Special characters → search for "O with stroke"
  • Excel: Same as Word, or use function =CHAR(216) for Ø or =CHAR(248) for ø

How to Type Ø in HTML and Markdown

For web developers and technical documentation authors:

Direct character use

You can directly insert the Ø character into HTML code:

<span>Average: Ø</span>

HTML entity (named)

Use an HTML entity:

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

Displays as: Average: Ø

HTML entity (numeric)

Or use numeric code:

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

Displays as: Average: Ø

Markdown

In Markdown, just type the character directly:

Average: Ø

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

Conclusion

While the Ø symbol is primarily a technical symbol for denoting object diameter, it's often incorrectly used for mathematical average as well. Regardless of the use, you now know how to type this character on any device or in any program.