Subscript Six (₆) is the Unicode character at U+2086 in the Subscripts and Superscripts block. It looks like a small lowered 6 and is common in math and science text such as x₆ or C₆.
Remember
Character ₆
Unicode U+2086
Hex entity ₆
Decimal ₆
CSS escape \2086
Named entity (none)
All of these produce the same glyph: ₆. Prefer the Unicode character (or its entities) when you need that exact glyph; use <sub>6</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
₆
HTML text (UTF-8)
Hex entity
₆
HTML markup
Decimal entity
₆
HTML markup
CSS escape
\2086
Stylesheet content
Named entity
—
Not defined in HTML5
Semantic tag
<sub>6</sub>
HTML (formatting, not the ₆ glyph)
When to use which
Situation
Use
Need the Unicode glyph ₆
Type ₆, or ₆ / ₆
Generated text via ::before / ::after
content: "\2086"
Semantic subscript for any text
<sub>6</sub>
Plain digit six (not subscript)
Type 6 (U+0036)
Looking for &sub6; or similar
Does not exist — use numeric form
See it
Live Preview
Subscript Six rendered in common writing contexts.
Inline textSixth term: x₆ = 6
Large glyph₆
In a formulaC₆ Fe₂O₃ a₁ + a₂ + a₃ + a₄ + a₅ + a₆
Monospacex₆ → sixth element
With entitiesHex: ₆ | Decimal: ₆
Semantic <sub>x6 (tag styles digit 6)
Code
Complete HTML Example
One page that shows Subscript Six 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 six in a single document.
html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>Subscript Six (₆) in HTML</title>
<style>
#point::after {
content: "\2086";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Subscript Six using Hex Code: ₆</p>
<p>Subscript Six using HTML Code: ₆</p>
<p id="point">Subscript Six using CSS Entity: </p>
<p>Semantic alternative: x<sub>6</sub></p>
</body>
</html>
Subscript Six using Hex Code: ₆
Subscript Six using HTML Code: ₆
Subscript Six using CSS Entity: ₆
Semantic alternative: x₆
How It Works
1. Hex:U+2086 → ₆ in HTML. The browser turns it into ₆.
2. Decimal: same code point as 8326 → ₆. Same result as hex.
3. CSS: use \2086 in content (not an HTML entity). #point::after appends that ₆ after the paragraph text.
4. Semantic <sub>:x<sub>6</sub> styles digit six as a subscript. Prefer this when you need meaning, not a specific Unicode glyph.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with Subscript Six entities.
Named?
No named entity
HTML5 does not define &sub6; or similar. Use numeric forms.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\2086 belongs in CSS. ₆ / ₆ belong in HTML.
₆ vs 6 vs ⁶
Different characters
₆ is U+2086; digit 6 is U+0036; superscript ⁶ is U+2076.
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 ₆, not ₆.
Fonts
Check the glyph
Some fonts draw ₆ weakly. If appearance matters, test the font or prefer <sub>.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Subscript Six (U+2086) and its numeric entity forms (₆, ₆, CSS \\2086) are supported in all mainstream browsers. Glyph shape depends on the font.
✓ Universal support
Subscript Six (₆)
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+2086 / entitiesFull support
Bottom line: Use ₆ or ₆ for the Unicode glyph, \\2086 only inside CSS content, and <sub>6</sub> when you want semantic subscript.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: Subscript Six is U+2086 (decimal 8326).
HTML: use ₆ or ₆ when you need an entity.
CSS: use \2086 inside content for generated text.
Alternative: use <sub>6</sub> for semantic subscript formatting.
One line:U+2086 → ₆ / ₆ / CSS \2086, or semantic <sub>6</sub>.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use ₆ (hex), ₆ (decimal), or the CSS escape \2086 in the content property. All render ₆. You can also paste the character ₆ directly when your file is UTF-8.
U+2086 (hex 2086, decimal 8326). It belongs to the Subscripts and Superscripts Unicode block.
No. HTML5 does not define a named entity for ₆. Use numeric references like ₆ or ₆.
Use ₆ (or its entities) when you need the exact Unicode subscript glyph. Use <sub>6</sub> when you want semantic subscript formatting for arbitrary text.
No. Digit six is U+0036. Superscript six is U+2076 (⁶). Subscript Six is U+2086 (₆) — a different character.
HTML entities (₆ or ₆) go in markup. The CSS escape \2086 is used in stylesheets (usually in the content property of ::before/::after). Both render ₆.
🤔
Did you know?
Subscript six is Unicode U+2086 (decimal 8326). HTML5 has no named entity for it — use ₆ or ₆. It is a different character from digit six (U+0036) and from superscript six ⁶ (U+2076).
