Increment (∆) is the Mathematical Operators character at Unicode U+2206 (INCREMENT). In math and science it is often called Delta — used for difference or change (e.g. ∆x, ∆t) and related operators.
Remember
Character ∆
Unicode U+2206
Hex entity ∆
Decimal ∆
CSS escape \2206
Named entity (none)
All of these produce the same glyph: ∆. Prefer typing ∆ in UTF-8 page text; use entities for CSS content, generated markup, or when encoding must be explicit.
Reference
Quick Reference
One table for every form you will actually use.
Form
Code
Where it goes
Direct character
∆
UTF-8 HTML text (default choice)
Hex entity
∆
HTML markup
Decimal entity
∆
HTML markup
CSS escape
\2206
Stylesheet content
Named entity
—
Not defined in HTML5
When to Use Which
Situation
Use
Normal math text on a UTF-8 page
Type ∆
Need an entity in HTML source
∆ or ∆
Generated text via ::before / ::after
content: "\2206"
Looking for a named &...; form
Does not exist — use numeric form
Greek letter Delta (Δ)
U+0394 — different character from U+2206
See it
Live Preview
Increment rendered in common scientific contexts.
Change in x∆x = x₂ − x₁
Large glyph∆
Time / enthalpy∆t , ∆H
vs Greek ΔU+2206 ∆ | U+0394 Δ
With entitiesHex: ∆ | Decimal: ∆
Code
Complete HTML Example
One page that shows Increment with the hex entity, decimal entity, CSS escape, and a typed character. Use View Output or open the live editor.
Hex + Decimal + CSS + Typed
All four ways to produce ∆ in a single document.
html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>Increment (∆) in HTML</title>
<style>
#point::after {
content: "\2206";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Increment using Hex Code: ∆</p>
<p>Increment using HTML Code: ∆</p>
<p id="point">Increment using CSS Entity: </p>
<p>Typed directly: ∆</p>
</body>
</html>
Increment using Hex Code: ∆
Increment using HTML Code: ∆
Increment using CSS Entity: ∆
Typed directly: ∆
How It Works
1. Hex:U+2206 → ∆ in HTML. The browser turns it into ∆.
2. Decimal: same code point as 8710 → ∆. Same result as hex.
3. CSS: use \2206 in content (not an HTML entity). #point::after appends that ∆ after the paragraph text.
4. Typed ∆: best for normal UTF-8 text. All four lines show the same symbol.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with the Increment symbol.
Named?
No named entity
HTML5 does not define a named entity for U+2206. Use numeric forms.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\2206 belongs in CSS. ∆ / ∆ belong in HTML.
∆ vs Δ
Operator vs Greek letter
∆ is U+2206 (INCREMENT). Greek capital Delta is U+0394. Choose by meaning, not looks alone.
Default
Type ∆ when you can
Entities are for encoding needs — not required for ordinary UTF-8 body text.
Semicolon
End references
Always finish with ; — write ∆, not ∆.
Fonts
Math Operators support
Use fonts that include U+2206 (e.g. Cambria Math, Noto Sans Math, Segoe UI Symbol) so the glyph is not missing.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Increment (U+2206) and its numeric entity forms (∆, ∆, CSS \\2206) are supported in all mainstream browsers when the font includes Mathematical Operators.
✓ Universal support
Increment (∆)
Type ∆, or encode with hex, decimal, or CSS escape — same glyph everywhere fonts support it.
100%Browser coverage
Google ChromeSupported
Yes
Microsoft EdgeSupported
Yes
Mozilla FirefoxSupported
Yes
Apple SafariSupported
Yes
OperaSupported
Yes
Internet ExplorerAll versions
Yes
U+2206 / entitiesFull support
Bottom line: Use a typed ∆ for normal text. Prefer ∆ or ∆ in HTML when encoding must be explicit, and \\2206 only inside CSS content.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: Increment is U+2206 (decimal 8710).
HTML: use ∆ or ∆ when you need an entity.
CSS: use \2206 inside content for generated text.
Default: type ∆ directly unless encoding requires an entity.
One line:U+2206 → type ∆, or encode as ∆ / ∆ / CSS \2206.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use ∆ (hex), ∆ (decimal), or the CSS escape \2206 in the content property. All render ∆. There is no named HTML entity.
U+2206 (INCREMENT). Hex 2206, decimal 8710. It belongs to the Mathematical Operators block.
No. HTML5 does not define a named entity for U+2206. Use numeric references like ∆ or ∆ when you need an entity form.
Use it for Delta (change or difference) in math, physics, chemistry, and engineering — e.g. ∆x, ∆t, ∆H. Prefer numeric entities when encoding must be explicit; type ∆ directly in UTF-8 pages when convenient.
HTML entities (∆ or ∆) go in markup. The CSS escape \2206 is used in stylesheets (usually in the content property of ::before/::after). Both render ∆.
No. ∆ is U+2206 (INCREMENT), a math operator. Δ is U+0394 (GREEK CAPITAL LETTER DELTA). They often look similar but are different characters.
🤔
Did you know?
Increment is Unicode U+2206 (decimal 8710). HTML5 has no named entity for it — use ∆ or ∆ when you need an entity form. It is often used as Delta for change (∆x).
