Subscript Nine (₉) is the Unicode character at U+2089 in the Subscripts and Superscripts block. It looks like a small lowered 9 and is common in math and science text such as x₉ or C₉.
Remember
Character ₉
Unicode U+2089
Hex entity ₉
Decimal ₉
CSS escape \2089
Named entity (none)
All of these produce the same glyph: ₉. Prefer the Unicode character (or its entities) when you need that exact glyph; use <sub>9</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
₉
HTML text (UTF-8)
Hex entity
₉
HTML markup
Decimal entity
₉
HTML markup
CSS escape
\2089
Stylesheet content
Named entity
—
Not defined in HTML5
Semantic tag
<sub>9</sub>
HTML (formatting, not the ₉ glyph)
When to use which
Situation
Use
Need the Unicode glyph ₉
Type ₉, or ₉ / ₉
Generated text via ::before / ::after
content: "\2089"
Semantic subscript for any text
<sub>9</sub>
Plain digit nine (not subscript)
Type 9 (U+0039)
Looking for &sub9; or similar
Does not exist — use numeric form
See it
Live Preview
Subscript Nine rendered in common writing contexts.
Inline textNinth term: x₉ = 9
Large glyph₉
In a formulaC₉ H₂O a₇ + a₈ + a₉
Monospacex₉ → ninth element
With entitiesHex: ₉ | Decimal: ₉
Semantic <sub>x9 (tag styles digit 9)
Code
Complete HTML Example
One page that shows Subscript Nine 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 nine in a single document.
html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>Subscript Nine (₉) in HTML</title>
<style>
#point::after {
content: "\2089";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Subscript Nine using Hex Code: ₉</p>
<p>Subscript Nine using HTML Code: ₉</p>
<p id="point">Subscript Nine using CSS Entity: </p>
<p>Semantic alternative: x<sub>9</sub></p>
</body>
</html>
Subscript Nine using Hex Code: ₉
Subscript Nine using HTML Code: ₉
Subscript Nine using CSS Entity: ₉
Semantic alternative: x₉
How It Works
1. Hex:U+2089 → ₉ in HTML. The browser turns it into ₉.
2. Decimal: same code point as 8329 → ₉. Same result as hex.
3. CSS: use \2089 in content (not an HTML entity). #point::after appends that ₉ after the paragraph text.
4. Semantic <sub>:x<sub>9</sub> styles digit nine as a subscript. Prefer this when you need meaning, not a specific Unicode glyph.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with Subscript Nine entities.
Named?
No named entity
HTML5 does not define &sub9; or similar. Use numeric forms.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\2089 belongs in CSS. ₉ / ₉ belong in HTML.
₉ vs 9 vs ⁹
Different characters
₉ is U+2089; digit 9 is U+0039; superscript ⁹ is U+2079.
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 ₉, not ₉.
Fonts
Check the glyph
Some fonts draw ₉ weakly. If appearance matters, test the font or prefer <sub>.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Subscript Nine (U+2089) and its numeric entity forms (₉, ₉, CSS \\2089) are supported in all mainstream browsers. Glyph shape depends on the font.
✓ Universal support
Subscript Nine (₉)
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+2089 / entitiesFull support
Bottom line: Use ₉ or ₉ for the Unicode glyph, \\2089 only inside CSS content, and <sub>9</sub> when you want semantic subscript.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: Subscript Nine is U+2089 (decimal 8329).
HTML: use ₉ or ₉ when you need an entity.
CSS: use \2089 inside content for generated text.
Alternative: use <sub>9</sub> for semantic subscript formatting.
One line:U+2089 → ₉ / ₉ / CSS \2089, or semantic <sub>9</sub>.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use ₉ (hex), ₉ (decimal), or the CSS escape \2089 in the content property. All render ₉. You can also paste the character ₉ directly when your file is UTF-8.
U+2089 (hex 2089, decimal 8329). It belongs to the Subscripts and Superscripts Unicode block.
No. HTML5 does not define a named entity for ₉. Use numeric references like ₉ or ₉.
Use ₉ (or its entities) when you need the exact Unicode subscript glyph. Use <sub>9</sub> when you want semantic subscript formatting for arbitrary text.
No. Digit nine is U+0039. Superscript nine is U+2079 (⁹). Subscript Nine is U+2089 (₉) — a different character.
HTML entities (₉ or ₉) go in markup. The CSS escape \2089 is used in stylesheets (usually in the content property of ::before/::after). Both render ₉.
🤔
Did you know?
Subscript nine is Unicode U+2089 (decimal 8329). HTML5 has no named entity for it — use ₉ or ₉. It is a different character from digit nine (U+0039) and from superscript nine ⁹ (U+2079).
