How to Type the Average Symbol Ø

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

Copy the Average Symbol

The character Ø (or its lowercase variant ø) is primarily used in technical drawings and mechanical engineering to indicate the diameter of round objects such as holes, pipes, or shafts. It is not the mathematical average of numbers, but the geometric diameter of a circle.

However, when we talk about the mathematical average of numbers (including grade averages), there is no clear symbol for it. In mathematics, x with a bar above (x̅) is often used, which denotes the arithmetic mean of a series of numbers.

Difference Between Capital Ø and Lowercase ø

There are two variants of this character:

  • Capital Ø - used in official technical drawings and documentation
  • Lowercase 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 Phone

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 the 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 insertion

You can insert the Ø character directly into 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 write the character directly:

Average: Ø

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

Conclusion

While the Ø character is primarily a technical symbol for indicating the diameter of objects, it is often mistakenly used for the mathematical average. Regardless of use, you now know how to type this character on any device or in any program.