The dot product or scalar product of two vectors assigns to the vectors and a scalar (number) denoted . Note the dot between the two vector symbols which gives the product one of its names. The other name, "scalar product", comes from the fact that the is a scalar.

You can experiment with the scalar product by varying either vector. To change a vector, click on its tip and drag the tip with the mouse.

Observe how the dot product of the two vectors changes as you change the magnitudes of the two vectors or the angle between them, and check its value using the equation given in the control panel.