HTML Entity for Plus (+)
What You'll Learn
How to display the plus sign (+) in HTML using various entity methods. The plus symbol denotes addition, positive values, and “add” actions in math, UI labels, and technical content.
This character is part of the Basic Latin Unicode block and can be rendered with a hexadecimal reference, a decimal reference, the named entity +, or a CSS escape in the content property. In UTF-8 HTML you can also type + directly—entities remain useful for clarity and consistency in documentation.
⚡ Quick Reference — Plus Entity
U+002BBasic Latin block
+Hexadecimal reference
+Decimal reference
+Most readable option
Name Value
──────────── ──────────
Unicode U+002B
Hex code +
HTML code +
Named entity +
CSS code \2B
Meaning Plus sign (addition)
Related U+00B1 = plus-minus (±)
U+2212 = minus sign (−)
Block Basic Latin (U+0000–U+007F)Complete HTML Example
A simple example showing + using hexadecimal code, decimal HTML code, the named entity, and a CSS content escape:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
#point::after{
content: "\2B";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Plus (hex): +</p>
<p>Plus (decimal): +</p>
<p>Plus (named): +</p>
<p id="point">Plus (CSS): </p>
</body>
</html>🌐 Browser Support
The plus entity is universally supported in all modern browsers:
👀 Live Preview
See the plus sign rendered live in different contexts:
🧠 How It Works
Hexadecimal Code
+ uses the Unicode hexadecimal value 2B to display the plus sign. The x prefix indicates hexadecimal format.
Decimal HTML Code
+ uses the decimal Unicode value 43 to display the same character. This is one of the most commonly used methods.
CSS Entity
\2B is used in CSS stylesheets, particularly in the content property of pseudo-elements like ::before and ::after.
Named Entity
+ is the semantic named entity — the easiest to read in source HTML and the most self-descriptive option.
Same visual result
All four methods produce the plus glyph: +. Unicode U+002B sits in the Basic Latin block (U+0000–U+007F).
Use Cases
The plus sign (+) commonly appears in the following scenarios:
Addition formulas, arithmetic examples, and educational math content.
“Add” buttons, expand controls, and positive-action affordances.
Entity reference pages and tutorials showing explicit plus markup.
Temperature, profit/loss, and signed numeric displays (+5, +10%).
Syntax guides where + denotes optional or combined parameters.
Explicit entities in strict markup where clarity matters.
Pair icon-only + buttons with visible text or aria-label.
💡 Best Practices
Do
- Use
+for readable source markup in tutorials - Pick one style (hex / decimal / named) per project
- Add
aria-labelon icon-only + buttons - Use CSS
\2Bin::beforefor generated plus icons - Set
<meta charset="utf-8">when typing + directly
Don’t
- Confuse + (U+002B) with ± (U+00B1, plus-minus)
- Use CSS escape
\2Binside HTML text nodes - Use HTML entities in JS (use
\u002Bor'+') - Rely on + alone as the only label on an add button
- Mix entity styles randomly in one file
Key Takeaways
Three HTML references all render +
+ + +For CSS stylesheets, use the escape in the content property
\2BUnicode U+002B belongs to the Basic Latin block (U+0000–U+007F)
Prefer + for readability—or type + directly in UTF-8 HTML
Previous: Planck Constant Over Two Pi (ℏ) Next: Plus Minus (±)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
+ (hex), + (decimal), + (named), or \2B in CSS content. You can also type + directly in UTF-8 HTML.U+002B (hex 2B, decimal 43). It denotes addition in the Basic Latin block.+.+ or +) go directly in markup. The CSS escape \2B is used in stylesheets, typically in the content property of ::before or ::after. Same visual result, different layers of the stack.+, +, and + are equivalent in modern browsers and all render +.Explore More HTML Entities!
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