How do you type an asterisk(＊) in LaTeX?

The asterisk symbol in LaTeX is represented by the \ast command. While the keyboard * may look similar, they serve different purposes in LaTeX.

Using asterisks in LaTeX

Below is a simple example demonstrating the difference between the \ast command and the keyboard *.

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
   \[ C\ast de \]
   \[ C*de \]
   \[ G\ast\ast d \]
   \[ G**d \]
\end{document}

Output :

When using two consecutive *, spacing issues can occur. The following example highlights this problem.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{MnSymbol}
\begin{document}
   $ G\ast\ast\; d $\\[6pt]
   G $\ast\;\ast$ d \\[6pt]
   G $*\;*$ d \\[6pt]
   B $*\;*$ k
\end{document}

Output :

Large asterisk symbol

By default, LaTeX does not provide a \bigast command for a larger * symbol. To achieve this, you need to use the mathabx package.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{mathabx}
\begin{document}
   \[ f(\bigast)g \]
   \[ f\bigast_b^a g \]
\end{document}

Output :

Using asterisks in superscripts

If you type an * directly in text mode, it behaves as a superscript. However, you can explicitly define this behavior in LaTeX.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\begin{document}
   $ q=b_1b_2\; \epsilon\; \mathbb{Z}^\ast $ \\[6pt]
   $q=b_1b_2\; \epsilon\; \mathbb{Z}$* \\[6pt]
   2+5*10+9*7
   A * * D
\end{document}

Output :

Different styles of ssterisk symbols

LaTeX offers multiple variations of the asterisk symbol using the bbding and pifont packages. Below is an example showcasing a variety of styled *.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{bbding,pifont}
\begin{document}
   % Use bbding package
   \SixFlowerOpenCenter, \SixFlowerPetalRemoved, \Asterisk\\[6pt]
   \AsteriskBold, \AsteriskCenterOpen, \AsteriskRoundedEnds \\[6pt]
   \AsteriskThin, \AsteriskThinCenterOpen, \SixFlowerRemovedOpenPetal\\[6pt]
   % Use pifont package
   \ding{81}, \ding{82}, \ding{83}\\[6pt]
   \ding{91}, \ding{92}, \ding{93}\\[6pt]
\end{document}

Output :

This approach allows you to customize the asterisk symbol according to your needs, whether for mathematical expressions or stylistic enhancements in your LaTeX document.

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