Copy the average symbol
The Ø symbol (or the lowercase variant ø) is primarily used in technical drawings to indicate the diameter of round objects, such as holes, pipes, or axes. So it's not a mathematical average of numbers, but a geometric diameter of a circle.
However, when we talk about the mathematical average of numbers (including grade averages), there is no universal symbol for it. In mathematics, x with a bar above it (x̄) is often used, which indicates the arithmetic mean.
Difference between capital Ø and lowercase ø
There are two variants of this symbol:
- Capital 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, 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
- symbol.computer.linux
How to type Ø on your 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 technical documentation authors:
Direct use of the character
You can insert the Ø character directly in the HTML code:
HTML entity (named)
Use the HTML entity:
Displays as: Average: Ø
HTML entity (numeric)
Or use the numeric code:
Displays as: Average: Ø
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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.