∗
Math Operator 24
- Unicode
- U+2217
- Category
- Math
- HTML Entity
- ∗
- CSS
- \2217
The Asterisk Operator (∗) is a mathematical symbol carefully designed to align perfectly with the middle of a line of text. Unlike the standard keyboard asterisk that hangs near the top of a line, this vertically centered version represents multiplication, convolution, or the Kleene star operation in formal equations. While everyday internet users stick to the regular asterisk for text formatting, typesetters rely on this distinct character to keep math formulas looking clean and professional.
How to Type
- Windows
- Alt+8727
- macOS
- Control+Command+Space then search "asterisk operator"
- Linux
- Ctrl+Shift+U 2217 then Space
- HTML
- ∗ or ∗
In Programming
While everyday programming code strictly uses the standard ASCII asterisk (*) for multiplication, the Asterisk Operator (∗) is heavily used in mathematical markup languages like LaTeX (using the \ast command) to properly format and align equations.
Tags
Kleene star
LaTeX asterisk
U+2217
asterisk operator
asterisk vs star operator
centered asterisk
convolution
convolution symbol
formal math notation
math asterisk
mathematics
multiplication
multiplication operator
star