Combining Overline is the nonspacing mark at Unicode U+0305 that draws a line above the preceding character. HTML5 has no named entity — use ̅ or ̅ right after a base (e.g. x̅ → x̅).
Remember
Character (combining) ̅
Unicode U+0305
Named entity (none)
Hex entity ̅
Decimal ̅
CSS escape \305
Hex, decimal, and CSS all produce the same combining mark. Always place it immediately after the base character.
Using Hex Code: x̅
Using HTML Code: x̅
Using CSS Entity: x̅
Mean value: x̅
How It Works
1. Hex: write the base, then ̅ — e.g. x̅ → x̅.
2. Decimal: same mark as 773 → x̅. Same visual result.
3. CSS: use \305 in content after a base in the string (e.g. "x\305").
4. No named form: do not use ‾ for U+0305 — that name is for spacing overline U+203E.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with Combining Overline.
Order
Base first, then mark
Write x̅, not ̅x. The mark attaches to the previous character.
vs ‾
Not ‾
‾ is U+203E (spacing). Combining overline is U+0305.
vs CSS
Not text-decoration
text-decoration: overline styles a run of text. U+0305 is a character-level mark.
Font
Check combining support
Some fonts stack combining marks poorly. Prefer a font with solid diacritic support.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\305 belongs in CSS. ̅ / ̅ belong in HTML.
Semicolon
End references
Always finish with ; — write ̅, not ̅.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Combining Overline (U+0305) and its entity forms (̅, ̅, CSS \\305) are supported in all mainstream browsers with a font that supports Combining Diacritical Marks.
✓ Universal support
Combining Overline (U+0305)
Encode with hex, decimal, or CSS escape after a base character. No named entity.
100%Browser coverage
Google ChromeSupported
Yes
Microsoft EdgeSupported
Yes
Mozilla FirefoxSupported
Yes
Apple SafariSupported
Yes
OperaSupported
Yes
Internet ExplorerIE 9+
Yes*
U+0305Full support
Bottom line: Prefer base̅ in HTML. Use \\305 only inside CSS content.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: Combining Overline is U+0305 (decimal 773).
HTML: prefer base̅ (no named entity).
CSS: use \305 inside content after a base.
Lookalike: not ‾ (U+203E) or CSS overline decoration.
One line:U+0305 → x̅ (also ̅ / CSS \305).
Frequently Asked Questions
Use ̅ (hex), ̅ (decimal), or the CSS escape \305 in the content property. Place it immediately after the base character (e.g. x̅). There is no named HTML entity for U+0305.
U+0305 (COMBINING OVERLINE). Hex 0305, decimal 773. It belongs to the Combining Diacritical Marks block.
No. Use ̅ or ̅. The named entity ‾ is for the spacing overline U+203E, not this combining mark.
Use it for math, linguistics, and notation when a line must sit above one character — for example mean value x̅ written as x̅.
U+0305 is a Unicode combining mark attached to one base character. CSS text-decoration: overline draws a line above a whole element or text run. Different tools for different jobs.
No. U+0305 is combining (nonspacing) overline after a base letter. U+203E is a spacing OVERLINE character with named entity ‾.
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Did you know?
Combining Overline is Unicode U+0305 (decimal 773) — in Combining Diacritical Marks. HTML5 has no named entity — use ̅ or ̅ right after a base character (e.g. x̅ → x̅). Related spacing overline: ‾ (‾, U+203E).
