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1× is a notation commonly used to express the idea of “one times” in mathematics and related fields. In mathematics, it denotes multiplication by 1, and thus any quantity a satisfies a × 1 = a. The multiplicative identity is the element that leaves other numbers unchanged when multiplied by it, and 1 plays that role in the real numbers, complex numbers, and many algebraic systems.

The symbol ×, known as the times sign, is the conventional symbol for multiplication in many regions, particularly in printed and handwritten text. It is used to distinguish multiplication from the letter x, which can cause confusion in certain fonts or contexts. In plain-text notation, some writers use the asterisk (*) or the letter x as alternatives, but the × character is widely preferred in formal materials.

Beyond pure math, 1× appears in measurements, imaging, and optics to indicate scale or magnification. In microscopy, photography, and display technology, 1× typically means real size or no magnification, while higher numbers such as 2× or 3× indicate increased magnification. In consumer devices, zoom controls may mark settings as 1×, 2×, or more to show the degree of enlargement.

In media and data contexts, 1× can also denote real-time playback speed, meaning the content is played back at normal speed. Slower or faster speeds are described with 0.5×, 1.5×, and so on. Overall, 1× serves as a fundamental reference point across mathematics and settings involving scale, magnification, or speed.