!
Unicode
U+0021LaTeX
!HTML entity
!HTML decimal
!MathML
<mo>!</mo>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- ∏ — Product
Use ! in the right format
Meaning and usage
Multiplies all positive integers from one through a nonnegative integer n.
Write n! after the argument and remember that 0! is defined as 1.
Pronunciation: factorial
Formula examples
5!=120How to type Factorial
- Windows
- Use Character Map or enter U+0021 in a Unicode-aware application.
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search by the symbol name.
- Microsoft Word
- In an equation, type ! and press Space when Word supports the command.
- iPhone and iPad
- Copy and paste !, or use a math/LaTeX app. The standard iOS keyboard may not expose every mathematical symbol.
- Android
- Copy and paste !, or use a math keyboard or LaTeX editor. Keyboard layouts vary by device and app.
- Google Docs
- For plain text, paste ! or use Insert → Special characters. For structured math, use the equation editor and verify !.
- Excel
- Paste ! into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.
Common mistakes
- Define ! near first use because statistical and probability conventions can distinguish sample, population, estimator, and parameter meanings.
- For plain text, copy ! as U+0021; for structured equations, use ! in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Factorial.
When to use !
- Use ! in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+0021.
- Use ! in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Factorial is used in combinatorics, probability with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- ∏ — Product
Font and compatibility notes
Font coverage varies; verify the code point and destination rendering before publication.
Continue the workflow
From Factorial to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse ! in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
!for LaTeX or the MathML snippet for accessible web equations. - Edit or convertOpen the value in the editor or converter without retyping it.
Review and source notes
Quality tier: catalog
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23
Review method: Catalog review of character identity and notation mappings.
Verified against: Unicode Standard, Unicode mathematical notation guidance, and established LaTeX/MathML syntax.
Reference sources
- The Unicode StandardUnicode Consortium — Character identity, encoding, names, and conformance.
- Unicode Character Code ChartsUnicode Consortium — Code points and official character charts.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Factorial symbol mean?
Multiplies all positive integers from one through a nonnegative integer n.
What is the LaTeX command for !?
Use ! in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy ! as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.