HTML Entity for Circled Minus (⊖)
What You'll Learn
How to display the Circled Minus (⊖) in HTML using numeric references, named entities, and CSS escapes. This character is U+2296 (CIRCLED MINUS) in the Mathematical Operators block (U+2200–U+22FF). It is used in formal math notation for circled subtraction and related set operations.
You can use the named entity ⊖, hex ⊖, decimal ⊖, or CSS \2296. Do not confuse ⊖ with Circled Dash U+229D (⊝, ⊝) or plain Minus Sign U+2212 (−).
⚡ Quick Reference — Circled Minus
U+2296Mathematical Operators block
⊖Hexadecimal reference
⊖Decimal reference
⊖Standard HTML entity
Name Value
──────────── ──────────
Unicode U+2296
Hex code ⊖
HTML code ⊖
Named entity ⊖
CSS code \2296Complete HTML Example
This example demonstrates the Circled Minus (⊖) using hexadecimal code, decimal HTML code, the named entity, and a CSS content escape:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
#point:after{
content: "\2296";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p class="math">Circled Minus using Hexa Decimal: ⊖</p>
<p class="math">Circled Minus using HTML Code: ⊖</p>
<p class="math">Circled Minus using HTML Entity: ⊖</p>
<p class="math" id="point">Circled Minus using CSS Entity: </p>
</body>
</html>🌐 Browser Support
The Circled Minus entity is universally supported in all modern browsers:
👀 Live Preview
See the Circled Minus in math and notation contexts:
🧠 How It Works
Hexadecimal Code
⊖ uses the Unicode hexadecimal value 2296 to display the Circled Minus.
Decimal HTML Code
⊖ uses the decimal Unicode value 8854 to display the same character.
Named HTML Entity
⊖ is the standard named entity for U+2296—short for “operator minus.”
CSS Entity
\2296 is used in CSS stylesheets, particularly in the content property of pseudo-elements like ::before and ::after.
Same visual result
All four methods produce the Circled Minus glyph: ⊖. Unicode U+2296 sits in Mathematical Operators (U+2200–U+22FF).
Use Cases
The Circled Minus (⊖) commonly appears in:
Equations and formal notation using the circled minus operator.
Set difference, symmetric difference, and related algebraic notation.
Technical papers and research content with operator symbols.
Math tutorials, textbooks, and e-learning platforms.
Documentation referencing this symbol in formal specifications.
Unicode tables and math operator glossaries.
Use MathML or aria-label="circled minus operator" for screen readers.
💡 Best Practices
Do
- Prefer
⊖for readable math HTML source - Use math-friendly fonts (Cambria Math, STIX Two Math, serif)
- Keep entity style consistent within a document
- Consider MathML for complex equations
- Distinguish U+2296 from U+229D Circled Dash in explanatory text
Don’t
- Confuse U+2296 (⊖) with U+229D Circled Dash (⊝)
- Put CSS escape
\2296inside HTML text nodes - Assume every font renders Mathematical Operators identically
- Use ⊖ decoratively where a plain minus (−) is intended
- Mix entity styles randomly in one file
Key Takeaways
Named entity is the easiest option
⊖Numeric references also render ⊖
⊖ ⊖For CSS stylesheets, use the escape in the content property
\2296U+2296 CIRCLED MINUS — not U+229D
Four methods, one glyph — all widely supported
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
⊖ (named entity), ⊖ (hex), ⊖ (decimal), or \2296 in CSS content. All produce ⊖.U+2296 (CIRCLED MINUS). Mathematical Operators block (U+2200–U+22FF). Hex 2296, decimal 8854.⊖, ⊖, or ⊖) go directly in markup. The CSS escape \2296 is used in stylesheets, typically in the content property of pseudo-elements.⊖ is the named entity for U+2296. Circled Dash is a different character: U+229D (⊝) with ⊝.Explore More HTML Entities!
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