Subscript Three (₃) is the Unicode character at U+2083 in the Subscripts and Superscripts block. It looks like a small lowered 3 and is common in math and science text such as x₃ or NH₃.
Remember
Character ₃
Unicode U+2083
Hex entity ₃
Decimal ₃
CSS escape \2083
Named entity (none)
All of these produce the same glyph: ₃. Prefer the Unicode character (or its entities) when you need that exact glyph; use <sub>3</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
₃
HTML text (UTF-8)
Hex entity
₃
HTML markup
Decimal entity
₃
HTML markup
CSS escape
\2083
Stylesheet content
Named entity
—
Not defined in HTML5
Semantic tag
<sub>3</sub>
HTML (formatting, not the ₃ glyph)
When to use which
Situation
Use
Need the Unicode glyph ₃
Type ₃, or ₃ / ₃
Generated text via ::before / ::after
content: "\2083"
Semantic subscript for any text
<sub>3</sub>
Plain digit three (not subscript)
Type 3 (U+0033)
Looking for &sub3; or similar
Does not exist — use numeric form
See it
Live Preview
Subscript Three rendered in common writing contexts.
Inline textThird term: x₃ = 3
Large glyph₃
In a formulaNH₃ Fe₂O₃ a₁ + a₂ + a₃
Monospacex₃ → third element
With entitiesHex: ₃ | Decimal: ₃
Semantic <sub>x3 (tag styles digit 3)
Code
Complete HTML Example
One page that shows Subscript Three 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 three in a single document.
html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>Subscript Three (₃) in HTML</title>
<style>
#point::after {
content: "\2083";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Subscript Three using Hex Code: ₃</p>
<p>Subscript Three using HTML Code: ₃</p>
<p id="point">Subscript Three using CSS Entity: </p>
<p>Semantic alternative: x<sub>3</sub></p>
</body>
</html>
Subscript Three using Hex Code: ₃
Subscript Three using HTML Code: ₃
Subscript Three using CSS Entity: ₃
Semantic alternative: x₃
How It Works
1. Hex:U+2083 → ₃ in HTML. The browser turns it into ₃.
2. Decimal: same code point as 8323 → ₃. Same result as hex.
3. CSS: use \2083 in content (not an HTML entity). #point::after appends that ₃ after the paragraph text.
4. Semantic <sub>:x<sub>3</sub> styles digit three as a subscript. Prefer this when you need meaning, not a specific Unicode glyph.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with Subscript Three entities.
Named?
No named entity
HTML5 does not define &sub3; or similar. Use numeric forms.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\2083 belongs in CSS. ₃ / ₃ belong in HTML.
₃ vs 3 vs ³
Different characters
₃ is U+2083; digit 3 is U+0033; superscript ³ is U+00B3.
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 ₃, not ₃.
Fonts
Check the glyph
Some fonts draw ₃ weakly. If appearance matters, test the font or prefer <sub>.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Subscript Three (U+2083) and its numeric entity forms (₃, ₃, CSS \\2083) are supported in all mainstream browsers. Glyph shape depends on the font.
✓ Universal support
Subscript Three (₃)
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+2083 / entitiesFull support
Bottom line: Use ₃ or ₃ for the Unicode glyph, \\2083 only inside CSS content, and <sub>3</sub> when you want semantic subscript.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: Subscript Three is U+2083 (decimal 8323).
HTML: use ₃ or ₃ when you need an entity.
CSS: use \2083 inside content for generated text.
Alternative: use <sub>3</sub> for semantic subscript formatting.
One line:U+2083 → ₃ / ₃ / CSS \2083, or semantic <sub>3</sub>.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use ₃ (hex), ₃ (decimal), or the CSS escape \2083 in the content property. All render ₃. You can also paste the character ₃ directly when your file is UTF-8.
U+2083 (hex 2083, decimal 8323). It belongs to the Subscripts and Superscripts Unicode block.
No. HTML5 does not define a named entity for ₃. Use numeric references like ₃ or ₃.
Use ₃ (or its entities) when you need the exact Unicode subscript glyph. Use <sub>3</sub> when you want semantic subscript formatting for arbitrary text.
No. Digit three is U+0033. Superscript three is U+00B3 (³). Subscript Three is U+2083 (₃) — a different character.
HTML entities (₃ or ₃) go in markup. The CSS escape \2083 is used in stylesheets (usually in the content property of ::before/::after). Both render ₃.
🤔
Did you know?
Subscript three is Unicode U+2083 (decimal 8323). HTML5 has no named entity for it — use ₃ or ₃. It is a different character from digit three (U+0033) and from superscript three ³ (U+00B3).
