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 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 is used.
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 |