Bowtie (⋈) is Unicode U+22C8 in the Mathematical Operators block. It is a math operator often used for natural join in relational algebra. HTML provides the named entity ⋈.
Remember
Character ⋈
Unicode U+22C8
Hex entity ⋈
Decimal ⋈
Named entity ⋈
CSS escape \22C8
Common use natural join (relational algebra)
All of these produce the same glyph: ⋈. Prefer ⋈ in hand-written HTML; type ⋈ in UTF-8 when you can; use numeric or CSS forms for generated content.
Reference
Quick Reference
One table for every form you will actually use.
Form
Code
Where it goes
Direct character
⋈
HTML text (UTF-8)
Named entity
⋈
HTML markup (preferred name)
Hex entity
⋈
HTML markup
Decimal entity
⋈
HTML markup
CSS escape
\22C8
Stylesheet content
When to Use Which
Situation
Use
Natural join / bowtie operator
⋈ or type ⋈
Need an entity in HTML source
⋈, ⋈, or ⋈
Icon via CSS
content: "\22C8" on ::before
Complex math layout
Prefer MathML or a math library when structure matters
See it
Live Preview
Bowtie in study contexts.
Inline mathR ⋈ S
Large glyph⋈
Join captionStudents ⋈ Enrolls
Accessible labelR ⋈natural join S
With entitiesNamed: ⋈ | Hex: ⋈ | Decimal: ⋈
Code
Complete HTML Example
One page that shows ⋈ with hex, decimal, named entity, CSS escape, and a typed character. Use View Output or open the live editor.
Hex + Decimal + Named + CSS + Typed
Five ways to produce ⋈ in a single document.
html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>Bowtie (⋈) in HTML</title>
<style>
#point::after {
content: "\22C8";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Bowtie using Hex Code: ⋈</p>
<p>Bowtie using HTML Code: ⋈</p>
<p>Bowtie using Named Entity: ⋈</p>
<p id="point">Bowtie using CSS Entity: </p>
<p>Typed directly: ⋈</p>
</body>
</html>
Bowtie using Hex Code: ⋈
Bowtie using HTML Code: ⋈
Bowtie using Named Entity: ⋈
Bowtie using CSS Entity: ⋈
Typed directly: ⋈
How It Works
1. Hex:U+22C8 → ⋈ in HTML. The browser turns it into ⋈.
2. Decimal: same code point as 8904 → ⋈. Same result as hex.
3. Named:⋈ is the standard HTML name for U+22C8 — clear in source.
4. CSS: use \22C8 in content (not an HTML entity). #point::after appends that ⋈ after the paragraph text.
5. Typed ⋈: fine in UTF-8 source. All five lines show the same glyph.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with bowtie (⋈).
Named
Prefer ⋈
Use ⋈ in hand-written HTML. Numeric forms are fine for generated markup.
Meaning
Math operator, not fashion
⋈ is a Mathematical Operators character (often natural join), not a necktie emoji.
a11y
Name the operator
Screen readers may not say “bowtie” or “join.” Pair the glyph with visible or visually hidden text such as natural join.
Fonts
Check math coverage
Some UI fonts omit U+22C8. Prefer fonts with solid Mathematical Operators support.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\22C8 belongs in CSS. ⋈ / ⋈ / ⋈ belong in HTML.
Semicolon
End references
Always finish with ; — write ⋈, not &bowtie.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Bowtie (U+22C8) and its entity forms (⋈, ⋈, ⋈, CSS \\22C8) are supported in all mainstream browsers. Glyph quality depends on font support for Mathematical Operators.
✓ Universal support
Bowtie (⋈)
Type ⋈, or encode with named, hex, decimal, or CSS escape — same glyph everywhere encoding is supported.
100%Browser coverage
Google ChromeSupported
Yes
Microsoft EdgeSupported
Yes
Mozilla FirefoxSupported
Yes
Apple SafariSupported
Yes
OperaSupported
Yes
Internet ExplorerAll versions
Yes
U+22C8 / entitiesFull support
Bottom line: Prefer ⋈ or a typed ⋈ for markers. Use decimal when generating markup, and \\22C8 only inside CSS content.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: bowtie is U+22C8 (decimal 8904).
HTML: prefer ⋈ (also ⋈, ⋈).
CSS: use \22C8 inside content for generated icons.
Watch out: ⋈ is a math join operator — label it for accessibility.
Use ⋈ (hex), ⋈ (decimal), ⋈ (named), or the CSS escape \22C8 in the content property. All render ⋈. You can also paste ⋈ directly if your file is UTF-8.
U+22C8 (hex 22C8, decimal 8904). Unicode names it BOWTIE. It belongs to the Mathematical Operators block.
Yes. ⋈ maps to U+22C8. Prefer ⋈ in hand-written HTML; numeric forms are useful in generated markup.
In relational algebra, ⋈ commonly denotes a natural join (and related join operators in teaching materials). It is a math operator, not a decorative necktie emoji.
HTML entities (⋈, ⋈, or ⋈) go in markup. The CSS escape \22C8 is used in stylesheets (usually in the content property of ::before/::after). Both render ⋈.
Use ⋈ for relational algebra, database theory notes, and math notation. Prefer clear text or MathML when the operator meaning must be explicit for assistive tech.
🤔
Did you know?
Bowtie is Unicode U+22C8 (decimal 8904) in the Mathematical Operators block — official name BOWTIE. HTML’s named reference is ⋈. In relational algebra it often denotes a natural join.
