How to Make a Cross Symbol in LaTeX

The usual LaTeX command for the cross-shaped multiplication sign, ×, is \times. It works in math mode and is also the standard symbol used for a vector cross product. If you mean a ballot-style X mark or a dagger-shaped cross, use a different symbol command instead.

Type the multiplication sign

Put \times inside math mode. Use dollar signs for inline mathematics, or \[...\] for a displayed equation:

$a \times b$

\[
\mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{v}
\]

The first example produces $a \times b$. In the second, the bold vectors are shown with a cross-product symbol between them. The command \times is built into LaTeX, so no additional package is needed.

Here is a complete minimal document you can compile with pdfLaTeX:

\documentclass{article}

\begin{document}

Inline multiplication: $3 \times 4 = 12$.

A vector cross product:
\[
\mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{v}
\]

\end{document}

Choose the right kind of cross

“Cross symbol” can refer to several different glyphs. Choose the command that matches what you mean:

Meaning	LaTeX command	Example
Multiplication sign or vector cross product	\times	$a \times b$
Tensor product	\otimes	$V \otimes W$
Direct sum	\oplus	$V \oplus W$
Dagger, often used for an adjoint	\dagger	$A^\dagger$
Double dagger	\ddagger	$A^\ddagger$
Ballot-style X mark	\ding{55}	Requires pifont

The meanings of operators depend on the subject, but the glyphs are not interchangeable. For example, \otimes is a circled-times operator, not the ordinary multiplication sign.

Make an X-shaped mark

For a ballot-style X mark, load the pifont package and use \ding{55}. The command can be used in text:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{pifont}

\begin{document}

This option is incorrect: \ding{55}

\end{document}

This gives you a typographic mark from the Dingbats font. It is not the same as writing a plain letter X, and it may look different from a handwritten or custom cross. If all you need is the letter X, type X directly.

Common mistakes

• Using \times outside math mode. Write $\times$ in running text or put it in a displayed equation. In a regular text paragraph, \times by itself causes a “Missing $ inserted” error.
• Using a lowercase x as the multiplication sign. The letter is narrower and can be mistaken for a variable. Use \times when you mean the operator.
• Using \times for every cross-shaped symbol. It gives the multiplication sign, not a ballot X or a dagger. Use the command or package designed for the intended mark.
• Adding a package unnecessarily. The standard \times command needs no package; \ding{55} does need pifont.

For ordinary multiplication and vector cross products, \times is the simplest and most portable choice.