How to Type the Diameter Symbol

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

Copy the diameter symbol

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

However, when talking about the mathematical average of numbers (including grade averages), there is no definitive symbol. In mathematics, x with a line above it x̅ is often used, which denotes the arithmetic mean (average value) of a set of numbers.

Difference between uppercase Ø and lowercase ø

There are two versions of this symbol:

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

How to type Ø on a 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 a phone

On mobile devices, typing the Ø symbol is simpler:

  • iOS: Hold the letter O to display variants, including Ø and ø
  • Android: Hold the letter O to see options, including Ø and ø

Ø symbol in programs

In most text editing programs, you can insert the Ø symbol:

  • Microsoft Word: Insert → Symbol → Select Ø or ø
  • Google Docs: Insert → Special characters → Search 'diameter'
  • Excel: Use function =CHAR(216) for Ø or =CHAR(248) for ø

Ø symbol in HTML

In HTML, you can insert the Ø symbol in several ways:

Method 1: Direct character insertion

Simply type the Ø character directly in the HTML code:

<span>Average: Ø</span>

Method 2: HTML entity (named)

Use the named HTML entity:

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

Displays as: Average: Ø

Method 3: HTML entity (numeric)

Use the numeric HTML entity:

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

Also displays as: Average: Ø

Method 4: Unicode

You can also use the Unicode character directly in UTF-8:

Average: Ø

Make sure your HTML document has UTF-8 encoding.

Summary

The Ø symbol is a versatile symbol used mainly in technical contexts to denote diameter. Although there are many ways to type it, the most convenient is often holding the letter O on a phone or using a keyboard shortcut on a computer. In HTML, the named entity method is preferred for code readability.