Subscript Two (₂) is the Unicode character at U+2082 in the Subscripts and Superscripts block. It looks like a small lowered 2 and is common in math and science text such as x₂ or H₂O.
Remember
Character ₂
Unicode U+2082
Hex entity ₂
Decimal ₂
CSS escape \2082
Named entity (none)
All of these produce the same glyph: ₂. Prefer the Unicode character (or its entities) when you need that exact glyph; use <sub>2</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
₂
HTML text (UTF-8)
Hex entity
₂
HTML markup
Decimal entity
₂
HTML markup
CSS escape
\2082
Stylesheet content
Named entity
—
Not defined in HTML5
Semantic tag
<sub>2</sub>
HTML (formatting, not the ₂ glyph)
When to use which
Situation
Use
Need the Unicode glyph ₂
Type ₂, or ₂ / ₂
Generated text via ::before / ::after
content: "\2082"
Semantic subscript for any text
<sub>2</sub>
Plain digit two (not subscript)
Type 2 (U+0032)
Looking for &sub2; or similar
Does not exist — use numeric form
See it
Live Preview
Subscript Two rendered in common writing contexts.
Inline textSecond term: x₂ = 2
Large glyph₂
In a formulaH₂O CO₂ a₁ + a₂
Monospacex₂ → second element
With entitiesHex: ₂ | Decimal: ₂
Semantic <sub>x2 (tag styles digit 2)
Code
Complete HTML Example
One page that shows Subscript Two 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 two in a single document.
html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>Subscript Two (₂) in HTML</title>
<style>
#point::after {
content: "\2082";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Subscript Two using Hex Code: ₂</p>
<p>Subscript Two using HTML Code: ₂</p>
<p id="point">Subscript Two using CSS Entity: </p>
<p>Semantic alternative: x<sub>2</sub></p>
</body>
</html>
Subscript Two using Hex Code: ₂
Subscript Two using HTML Code: ₂
Subscript Two using CSS Entity: ₂
Semantic alternative: x₂
How It Works
1. Hex:U+2082 → ₂ in HTML. The browser turns it into ₂.
2. Decimal: same code point as 8322 → ₂. Same result as hex.
3. CSS: use \2082 in content (not an HTML entity). #point::after appends that ₂ after the paragraph text.
4. Semantic <sub>:x<sub>2</sub> styles digit two as a subscript. Prefer this when you need meaning, not a specific Unicode glyph.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with Subscript Two entities.
Named?
No named entity
HTML5 does not define &sub2; or similar. Use numeric forms.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\2082 belongs in CSS. ₂ / ₂ belong in HTML.
₂ vs 2 vs ²
Different characters
₂ is U+2082; digit 2 is U+0032; superscript ² is U+00B2.
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 ₂, not ₂.
Fonts
Check the glyph
Some fonts draw ₂ weakly. If appearance matters, test the font or prefer <sub>.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Subscript Two (U+2082) and its numeric entity forms (₂, ₂, CSS \\2082) are supported in all mainstream browsers. Glyph shape depends on the font.
✓ Universal support
Subscript Two (₂)
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+2082 / entitiesFull support
Bottom line: Use ₂ or ₂ for the Unicode glyph, \\2082 only inside CSS content, and <sub>2</sub> when you want semantic subscript.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: Subscript Two is U+2082 (decimal 8322).
HTML: use ₂ or ₂ when you need an entity.
CSS: use \2082 inside content for generated text.
Alternative: use <sub>2</sub> for semantic subscript formatting.
One line:U+2082 → ₂ / ₂ / CSS \2082, or semantic <sub>2</sub>.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use ₂ (hex), ₂ (decimal), or the CSS escape \2082 in the content property. All render ₂. You can also paste the character ₂ directly when your file is UTF-8.
U+2082 (hex 2082, decimal 8322). It belongs to the Subscripts and Superscripts Unicode block.
No. HTML5 does not define a named entity for ₂. Use numeric references like ₂ or ₂.
Use ₂ (or its entities) when you need the exact Unicode subscript glyph. Use <sub>2</sub> when you want semantic subscript formatting for arbitrary text.
No. Digit two is U+0032. Superscript two is U+00B2 (²). Subscript Two is U+2082 (₂) — a different character.
HTML entities (₂ or ₂) go in markup. The CSS escape \2082 is used in stylesheets (usually in the content property of ::before/::after). Both render ₂.
🤔
Did you know?
Subscript two is Unicode U+2082 (decimal 8322). HTML5 has no named entity for it — use ₂ or ₂. It is a different character from digit two (U+0032) and from superscript two ² (U+00B2).
