X mark

An x mark (also known as a cross, x, ex, exmark or into mark^[1]) is a mark (x, ×, X, ✕, ☓, ✖, ✗, ✘, etc.) used to indicate the concept of negation (for example "no, this has not been verified" or "no, I don't agree") as well as affirmation (for example in election ballot papers or in x marks the spot). It is often used opposite the tick or check mark (or the O mark used in Japan.)

It is also used as a replacement for a signature for a person who is illiterate and thus cannot write their name. Typically, the writing of an X used for this purpose must be witnessed to be valid.

As a verb, to ex off/out or to cross off/out means to add such a mark. It is quite common, especially on printed forms and document, for there to be squares in which to place x marks, or interchangeably checks. While it is more common in America^{[citation needed]} and Germany for people to check a square box with a cross than a tick, in some countries a tick (✓) or even a v mark^{[citation needed]} is used.

Unicode

An x mark marking the spot of the wrecked Whydah Gally in Cape Cod

Unicode provides various related symbols, including:

Symbol	Unicode Codepoint (Hex)	Name
✗	U+2717	BALLOT X (cross)
✘	U+2718	HEAVY BALLOT X (bold cross)
☐	U+2610	BALLOT BOX (square)
☒	U+2612	BALLOT BOX WITH X (square with cross)

The x mark is generally rendered with a less symmetrical form than the following cross-shaped mathematical symbols:

Symbol	Unicode Codepoint (Hex)	Name
×	U+00D7	multiplication sign
⨯	U+2A2F	cross product also known as Gibbs vector product

See also

• List of international common standards
• Saltire
• Tally marks
• Tick (check mark)

Mathematics

• Multiplication sign
  • Cartesian product
  • Cross product

Footnotes

1. ^ Due to its similarity to the multiplication sign.