HTML Entity for Cube Root (∛)

Beginner
⏱️ 5 min read
📚 Updated: Jun 2026
🎯 1 Code Example
Unicode U+221B

What You'll Learn

How to display the Cube Root symbol (∛) in HTML and CSS. This character is U+221B (CUBE ROOT) in the Mathematical Operators block (U+2200–U+22FF). It denotes the cube root operation in algebra and calculus—for example, ∛27 = 3 or ∛x in an expression.

There is no named HTML entity for U+221B. Use ∛, ∛, or \221B in CSS content. Do not confuse ∛ with Square Root U+221A (√) or Fourth Root U+221C (∜). See the math entities hub for square root \221A and related operators.

⚡ Quick Reference — Cube Root

Unicode U+221B

Mathematical Operators (U+2200–U+22FF)

Hex Code ∛

Hexadecimal reference

HTML Code ∛

Decimal reference

Named Entity

None (use numeric refs)

Reference Table
Name           Value
────────────   ──────────
Unicode        U+221B
Hex code       ∛
HTML code      ∛
Named entity   —
CSS code       \221B
1

Complete HTML Example

This example shows U+221B using hexadecimal and decimal character references, plus a CSS content escape. There is no named HTML entity:

html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
 <style>
  #point:after{
   content: "\221B";
  }
 </style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Cube Root using Hexadecimal: &#x221B;</p>
<p>Cube Root using HTML Code: &#8731;</p>
<p id="point">Cube Root using CSS Entity: </p>
</body>
</html>
Try it Yourself

🌐 Browser Support

U+221B is supported in modern browsers; use a math-capable font for best glyph quality:

Chrome 1+
Firefox 1+
Safari 3.1+
Edge 12+
Opera 4+
Android 4.4+
iOS Safari 3.2+

👀 Live Preview

See Cube Root (∛) in mathematical contexts:

Algebra ∛27 = 3   ∛x
vs square root ∛ cube   √ square (U+221A)
Standalone
Calculus ∛(x² + 1)
Monospace refs &#x221B; &#8731; \221B

🧠 How It Works

1

Hexadecimal Code

&#x221B; references code point U+221B using hex digits 221B.

HTML markup
2

Decimal HTML Code

&#8731; is the decimal equivalent (8731) for the same character.

HTML markup
3

CSS Entity

\221B is the CSS escape for U+221B, used in the content property of ::before or ::after.

CSS stylesheet
=

Same visual result

All three methods produce the cube-root glyph: . Unicode U+221B is in Mathematical Operators (U+2200–U+22FF). No named HTML entity exists.

Use Cases

Cube Root (∛) commonly appears in:

📐 Algebra

Cube root in expressions, equations, and problem-solving (e.g. ∛x, ∛27 = 3).

🔢 Calculus

Real analysis and higher math involving roots and powers.

📚 Education

Textbooks, online courses, tutorials, and worksheets for school and college math.

💻 Math tools

Equation editors, calculators, and formula display components on the web.

📄 Scientific docs

Papers, reports, and technical docs with radical notation.

🔤 Symbol references

Unicode tables and Mathematical Operators glossaries.

♿ Accessibility

Provide context (e.g. “cube root of 27”) so screen readers convey the operation.

💡 Best Practices

Do

  • Use &#x221B; or &#8731; for the standard cube-root glyph
  • Use math fonts (Cambria Math, STIX Two Math) for clear operators
  • Keep hex or decimal style consistent across the document
  • Use \221B only inside CSS content
  • Pair ∛ with operands (e.g. ∛27) for clear mathematical meaning

Don’t

  • Confuse U+221B (∛) with Square Root U+221A (√) or Fourth Root U+221C (∜)
  • Use ∛ when you mean square root √
  • Assume a named entity exists—U+221B has none
  • Put CSS escape \221B in HTML text nodes
  • Mix hex and decimal styles randomly in one file

Key Takeaways

1

No named entity—use numeric references

&#x221B; &#8731;
2

For CSS stylesheets, use the escape in the content property

\221B
3

U+221B CUBE ROOT

4

Not √ (square) or ∜ (fourth root)—different radical operators

5

Three methods, one glyph — widely supported in modern browsers

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Use &#x221B; (hex), &#8731; (decimal), or \221B in CSS content. There is no named HTML entity for U+221B.
U+221B (Cube Root). Mathematical Operators (U+2200–U+22FF). Hex 221B, decimal 8731.
In mathematics content, algebra and calculus tutorials, educational materials, equation renderers, scientific documentation, and any HTML that requires the cube root operator (∛). Use numeric references since there is no named entity.
HTML numeric references (&#8731; or &#x221B;) go in markup. The CSS escape \221B is used in stylesheets, typically in the content property of pseudo-elements. Both render ∛.
HTML5 named entities focus on commonly used characters. U+221B is a specialized mathematical operator, so use &#x221B; or &#8731;. See math entities for square root and related operators.

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About the author

Mari Selvan M P
Mari Selvan M P 🔗

Developer, cloud engineer, and technical writer

  • Experience 12 years building web and cloud systems
  • Focus Full Stack Development, AWS, and Developer Education

I write practical tutorials so students and working developers can learn by doing—from databases and APIs to deployment on AWS.

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