Subscript Zero (₀) is the Unicode character at U+2080 in the Subscripts and Superscripts block. It looks like a small lowered 0 and is common in math and science text such as x₀.
Remember
Character ₀
Unicode U+2080
Hex entity ₀
Decimal ₀
CSS escape \2080
Named entity (none)
All of these produce the same glyph: ₀. Prefer the Unicode character (or its entities) when you need that exact glyph; use <sub>0</sub> when you want semantic subscript formatting instead.
Reference
Quick Reference
One table for every form you will actually use.
Form
Code
Where it goes
Direct character
₀
HTML text (UTF-8)
Hex entity
₀
HTML markup
Decimal entity
₀
HTML markup
CSS escape
\2080
Stylesheet content
Named entity
—
Not defined in HTML5
Semantic tag
<sub>0</sub>
HTML (formatting, not the ₀ glyph)
When to use which
Situation
Use
Need the Unicode glyph ₀
Type ₀, or ₀ / ₀
Generated text via ::before / ::after
content: "\2080"
Semantic subscript for any text
<sub>0</sub>
Plain digit zero (not subscript)
Type 0 (U+0030)
Looking for &sub0; or similar
Does not exist — use numeric form
See it
Live Preview
Subscript Zero rendered in common writing contexts.
Inline textInitial value: x₀ = 0
Large glyph₀
In an expressiona₀ + a₁ + … + aₙ
Monospacex₀ → initial state
With entitiesHex: ₀ | Decimal: ₀
Semantic <sub>x0 (tag styles digit 0)
Code
Complete HTML Example
One page that shows Subscript Zero with the hex entity, decimal entity, CSS escape, and the semantic <sub> option. Use View Output or open the live editor.
Hex + Decimal + CSS + <sub>
Four ways to show a lowered zero in a single document.
html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>Subscript Zero (₀) in HTML</title>
<style>
#point::after {
content: "\2080";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Subscript Zero using Hex Code: ₀</p>
<p>Subscript Zero using HTML Code: ₀</p>
<p id="point">Subscript Zero using CSS Entity: </p>
<p>Semantic alternative: x<sub>0</sub></p>
</body>
</html>
Subscript Zero using Hex Code: ₀
Subscript Zero using HTML Code: ₀
Subscript Zero using CSS Entity: ₀
Semantic alternative: x₀
How It Works
1. Hex:U+2080 → ₀ in HTML. The browser turns it into ₀.
2. Decimal: same code point as 8320 → ₀. Same result as hex.
3. CSS: use \2080 in content (not an HTML entity). #point::after appends that ₀ after the paragraph text.
4. Semantic <sub>:x<sub>0</sub> styles digit zero as a subscript. Prefer this when you need meaning, not a specific Unicode glyph.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with Subscript Zero entities.
Named?
No named entity
HTML5 does not define &sub0; or similar. Use numeric forms.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\2080 belongs in CSS. ₀ / ₀ belong in HTML.
₀ vs 0
Different characters
₀ is U+2080; digit 0 is U+0030. Do not treat them as the same.
Glyph vs tag
Choose intentionally
Use the Unicode glyph for exact look; use <sub> for semantic subscript on any text.
Semicolon
End references
Always finish with ; — write ₀, not ₀.
Fonts
Check the glyph
Some fonts draw ₀ weakly. If appearance matters, test the font or prefer <sub>.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Subscript Zero (U+2080) and its numeric entity forms (₀, ₀, CSS \\2080) are supported in all mainstream browsers. Glyph shape depends on the font.
✓ Universal support
Subscript Zero (₀)
Encode with hex, decimal, or CSS escape — or use <sub> for semantic formatting.
100%Browser coverage
Google ChromeSupported
Yes
Microsoft EdgeSupported
Yes
Mozilla FirefoxSupported
Yes
Apple SafariSupported
Yes
OperaSupported
Yes
Internet ExplorerAll versions
Yes
U+2080 / entitiesFull support
Bottom line: Use ₀ or ₀ for the Unicode glyph, \\2080 only inside CSS content, and <sub>0</sub> when you want semantic subscript.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: Subscript Zero is U+2080 (decimal 8320).
HTML: use ₀ or ₀ when you need an entity.
CSS: use \2080 inside content for generated text.
Alternative: use <sub>0</sub> for semantic subscript formatting.
One line:U+2080 → ₀ / ₀ / CSS \2080, or semantic <sub>0</sub>.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use ₀ (hex), ₀ (decimal), or the CSS escape \2080 in the content property. All render ₀. You can also paste the character ₀ directly when your file is UTF-8.
U+2080 (hex 2080, decimal 8320). It belongs to the Subscripts and Superscripts Unicode block.
No. HTML5 does not define a named entity for ₀. Use numeric references like ₀ or ₀.
Use ₀ (or its entities) when you need the exact Unicode subscript glyph. Use <sub>0</sub> when you want semantic subscript formatting for arbitrary text.
No. Digit zero is U+0030. Subscript Zero is U+2080 — a different character with a different code point.
HTML entities (₀ or ₀) go in markup. The CSS escape \2080 is used in stylesheets (usually in the content property of ::before/::after). Both render ₀.
🤔
Did you know?
Subscript zero is Unicode U+2080 (decimal 8320). HTML5 has no named entity for it — use ₀ or ₀. It is a different character from digit zero (U+0030).
