Intercalate (⊺) is the Mathematical Operators character at Unicode U+22BA (INTERCALATE). It denotes intercalation — a binary operator used in some algebraic structures, logic, and formal notation.
Remember
Character ⊺
Unicode U+22BA
Hex entity ⊺
Decimal ⊺
Named entity ⊺
CSS escape \22BA
All of these produce the same glyph: ⊺. Prefer ⊺ in HTML source for clarity; use hex/decimal when generating entities, and CSS \22BA only in content.
Reference
Quick Reference
One table for every form you will actually use.
Form
Code
Where it goes
Named entity
⊺
HTML markup (best default)
Hex entity
⊺
HTML markup
Decimal entity
⊺
HTML markup
CSS escape
\22BA
Stylesheet content
Direct character
⊺
UTF-8 HTML text
When to Use Which
Situation
Use
Readable math / logic HTML source
⊺
Need a numeric entity in HTML
⊺ or ⊺
Generated text via ::before / ::after
content: "\22BA"
UTF-8 page, typing is easy
Type ⊺ directly
Looking for ∫
That is Integral (∫) — different character
See it
Live Preview
Intercalate rendered in common math contexts.
Binary opa ⊺ b
Large glyph⊺
vs integral∫ f dx | g ⊺ h
Named entity⊺ → ⊺
With entitiesHex: ⊺ | Decimal: ⊺ | Named: ⊺
Code
Complete HTML Example
One page that shows Intercalate with the hex entity, decimal entity, named entity, and CSS escape. Use View Output or open the live editor.
Hex + Decimal + Named + CSS
All four ways to produce ⊺ in a single document.
html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>Intercalate (⊺) in HTML</title>
<style>
#point::after {
content: "\22BA";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Intercalate using Hex Code: ⊺</p>
<p>Intercalate using HTML Code: ⊺</p>
<p>Intercalate using Named Entity: ⊺</p>
<p id="point">Intercalate using CSS Entity: </p>
</body>
</html>
Intercalate using Hex Code: ⊺
Intercalate using HTML Code: ⊺
Intercalate using Named Entity: ⊺
Intercalate using CSS Entity: ⊺
How It Works
1. Hex:U+22BA → ⊺ in HTML. The browser turns it into ⊺.
2. Decimal: same code point as 8890 → ⊺. Same result as hex.
3. Named:⊺ is the HTML5 name for this character — easiest to read in source.
4. CSS: use \22BA in content (not an HTML entity). #point::after appends that ⊺ after the paragraph text.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with the Intercalate symbol.
Named
Prefer ⊺
Named form is clearer than numeric codes. Alias ⊺ also works.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\22BA belongs in CSS. ⊺ / ⊺ / ⊺ belong in HTML.
Look-alikes
Not ∫ or ⊻
∫ is Integral (∫). ⊻ (U+22BB) is XOR / veebar — different from ⊺.
Context
Explain the operator
Intercalate is uncommon — add a short label so readers know what ⊺ means.
Semicolon
End references
Always finish with ; — write ⊺, not &intcal.
Fonts
Math Operators support
Use fonts that include U+22BA (e.g. Cambria Math, Noto Sans Math, Segoe UI Symbol).
Compatibility
Browser Support
Intercalate (U+22BA) and its entity forms (⊺, ⊺, ⊺, CSS \\22BA) are supported in all mainstream browsers when the font includes Mathematical Operators.
✓ Universal support
Intercalate (⊺)
Use ⊺, 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+22BA / entitiesFull support
Bottom line: Prefer ⊺ in HTML for readability. Use ⊺ or ⊺ when encoding must be numeric, and \\22BA only inside CSS content.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: Intercalate is U+22BA (decimal 8890).
HTML: prefer ⊺, or use ⊺ / ⊺.
CSS: use \22BA inside content for generated text.
Use case: math and logic intercalation — not the same as ∫ (∫).
Use ⊺ (named), ⊺ (hex), ⊺ (decimal), or the CSS escape \22BA in the content property. All render the Intercalate symbol (⊺).
U+22BA (INTERCALATE). Hex 22BA, decimal 8890. It belongs to the Mathematical Operators block.
Yes. ⊺ (and the alias ⊺) is the named HTML5 entity for ⊺ and is supported in all modern browsers.
Use it in math and logic notation for intercalation (a binary operation in certain algebraic structures and formal specs). Prefer ⊺ for readable source, or numeric forms when generating markup.
HTML entities (⊺, ⊺, or ⊺) go in markup. The CSS escape \22BA is used in stylesheets (usually in the content property of ::before/::after). Both render ⊺.
No. ∫ is U+222B (∫). ⊻ is U+22BB (veebar / XOR). ⊺ is U+22BA (intercalate) — a different operator.
🤔
Did you know?
Intercalate is Unicode U+22BA (decimal 8890). HTML5 provides the named entity ⊺ (also ⊺) — prefer it for readable math markup, or use ⊺ / ⊺.
