Asterisk Symbol Copy and Paste (*)
Asterisk (keyboard)
Unicode U+002A · HTML * · Alt code Alt+42
Tap any symbol to copy it. Each tap also adds it to the box above, so you can copy several together.
Codes for every symbol on this page (Unicode, HTML, emoji version)
| Symbol | Name | Unicode | HTML | Emoji version | Windows Alt code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| * | Asterisk (keyboard) | U+002A | * | - | Alt+42 |
| ∗ | Asterisk operator | U+2217 | ∗ | - | - |
| ✱ | Heavy asterisk | U+2731 | ✱ | - | - |
| ✲ | Open centre asterisk | U+2732 | ✲ | - | - |
| ⁎ | Low asterisk | U+204E | ⁎ | - | - |
| ⁑ | Two asterisks | U+2051 | ⁑ | - | - |
| ✳ | Eight spoked asterisk | U+2733 | ✳ | 1.0 | - |
| ＊ | Fullwidth asterisk | U+FF0A | ＊ | - | - |
The asterisk symbol (*) is the small star-shaped mark you get by pressing Shift+8 on a computer keyboard. Many people in India simply call it "star", and the * key on a phone dial pad is also called the star key. Its proper name is asterisk, said as AS-ter-isk, from a Greek word meaning "little star".
Use the copy box above to copy the plain * symbol, or tap any symbol in the grid to copy a fancier version such as ✱ or ⁑. Need it for a slide or poster? The Download PNG button gives you a transparent image. Below you will find what the asterisk means in different places, how to type it on every device, and the small rules that make your writing look neat.
What Does the * Symbol Mean?
The * symbol does not have one single meaning. Its job depends on where you see it. Here are the places you will meet it most often:
| Where | Example | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Ads and offers | Flat 50% off* | There is a condition. Read the small note that starts with * at the bottom, such as "*On orders above ₹999". |
| Forms | Mobile number * | This field is required. You cannot submit the form without it. |
| Excel and calculators | =B2*C2 | Multiply. In Excel, =12*5 gives 60. |
| Search and file names | *.pdf | A wildcard that stands for "any characters". Windows search for *.pdf finds every PDF file. |
| Chat apps | *Done* | In WhatsApp, text between two asterisks shows in bold. |
| Chat corrections | *their | The writer is fixing a spelling mistake in the previous message. |
| Hidden words | p*****d | Letters are hidden on purpose, for a password or a rude word. |
| Phone codes | *123# | Part of a USSD code that you dial to check balance or offers. |
How to Type the Asterisk Symbol on Any Device
- Windows and Mac keyboard: hold Shift and press 8. On a full keyboard you can also press the * key on the number pad, without Shift.
- Windows Alt code: with Num Lock on, hold Alt and type 42 on the number pad.
- Microsoft Word: type 002A and press Alt+X. For the fancy versions, type the code from the info table, for example 2731 then Alt+X for ✱. You can also use Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.
- Excel and Google Sheets: just press the * key. Remember that inside a formula it means multiply.
- Google Docs: type it from the keyboard, or open Insert > Special characters and search "asterisk" for the other styles.
- Android: on most Android keyboards, tap ?123; the * is on the first symbols page.
- iPhone: tap 123, then #+=, and you will see *.
Tip for Excel users: because * is a wildcard in Find and Replace, searching for * matches everything. To find a real asterisk in a sheet, search for ~* instead.
Asterisk Variants: ✱ ⁑ ✳ ⁎ and More
The keyboard asterisk is fine for daily use. The other styles in the grid are useful for design, maths or special text.
| Symbol | Name | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| ∗ | Asterisk operator | Maths papers, where it sits on the middle line like a + sign |
| ✱ ✲ | Heavy and open centre asterisk | Headings, posters, Instagram bios |
| ⁎ | Low asterisk | Old printed texts, sits lower on the line |
| ⁑ | Two asterisks aligned vertically | A second footnote mark in a neat single character |
| ✳ | Eight spoked asterisk | Decoration; many phones show it as a green emoji |
| ＊ | Fullwidth asterisk | Chinese, Japanese and Korean text |
Do not mix the asterisk with the star ★ or the times sign ×. A star is a shape for ratings and decoration, which you can find on our star symbols page. The × sign is the correct way to show multiplication in written maths, explained on the multiplication symbol page.
Rules for Using an Asterisk in Writing
In essays, project reports and notices, the asterisk is mostly a footnote mark. Follow these simple rules:
- Put the * right after the word, number or sentence it explains, with no space: Admission is free for students*.
- Start the note at the bottom of the page or slide with the same mark: *Valid school ID card required.
- If you need a second note, use ** or ⁑. For a third, many printers switch to the dagger † instead of three asterisks.
- Keep the note short and on the same page as the mark.
- Never use * as a full stop or as a bullet in formal writing. For lists, use a proper bullet from our bullet point symbol page.
Example sentence: The scholarship covers tuition fees* and books. Footnote: *Hostel fees are not included.
Common Mistakes with the Asterisk
- Spelling: it is "asterisk", not "asterick", "asterix" or "astrisk".
- Maths homework: in your notebook, write 6 × 4, not 6 * 4. The * is only for computers and calculators.
- Too many marks: a page full of *, **, *** confuses readers. Use numbers (1, 2, 3) when you have many notes.
- Hiding key terms: if you run a shop or page, do not hide important conditions behind a tiny *. Write them clearly.
Want to learn the names of other keyboard marks? See the full list on our symbol names page or browse all punctuation marks. The hashtag symbol page covers the # key, which shares the phone keypad with the star key.
Frequently asked questions
What is the name of the * symbol?
The * symbol is called an asterisk. In everyday Indian speech many people call it "star", especially on phone keypads. Both are understood, but write "asterisk" in exams and formal documents.
What does an asterisk mean next to a price or offer?
It means the offer has terms and conditions. Look for a line at the bottom of the ad, bill or website that starts with *. That line tells you the limits, such as a minimum order value or a last date.
How do I type the asterisk symbol on a laptop?
Press Shift and 8 together. Laptops without a number pad cannot use Alt+42, so Shift+8 is the easiest method. You can also copy * from the box at the top of this page.
Why is there a red asterisk on online forms?
A red * next to a field means you must fill it in. Fields without the mark are optional. If the form will not submit, check for an empty field with an asterisk.
How do I make text bold with asterisks in WhatsApp?
Put one asterisk before and one after the words, with no spaces inside: *Meeting at 5 pm*. When you send it, the stars disappear and the words show in bold.
Is the asterisk the same as the multiplication sign?
No. Computers use * for multiply because keyboards have no × key, so Excel and coding use it. In handwritten or printed maths, the correct sign is ×.