HTML Entity for Ring (∘)
What You'll Learn
How to display the Ring symbol (∘) in HTML using the named entity, hexadecimal, decimal, and CSS escape methods. This symbol is U+2218 (RING OPERATOR) in the Mathematical Operators block (U+2200–U+22FF)—the standard notation for function composition (e.g. f ∘ g).
Render it with ∘ (named), ∘, ∘, or CSS \2218. Do not confuse ∘ with U+00B0 (°, degree sign) or U+25CB (○, white circle / ˆ).
⚡ Quick Reference — Ring Entity
U+2218Mathematical Operators
∘Hexadecimal reference
∘Decimal reference
∘Most readable option
Name Value
──────────── ──────────
Unicode U+2218
Hex code ∘
HTML code ∘
Named entity ∘
CSS code \2218
Meaning Ring operator / function composition
Related U+00B0 = degree sign (°)
U+25CB = white circle (○ / ˆ)
U+22BB = XOR (⊻ / ⊻)Complete HTML Example
A simple example showing the Ring symbol (∘) using the named entity, hexadecimal code, decimal HTML code, and a CSS content escape:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
#point:after{
content: "\2218";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Symbol (named): ∘</p>
<p>Symbol (hex): ∘</p>
<p>Symbol (decimal): ∘</p>
<p id="point">Symbol (CSS): </p>
</body>
</html>🌐 Browser Support
The Ring symbol (∘) is universally supported in all modern browsers when the font includes Mathematical Operators glyphs:
👀 Live Preview
See the Ring symbol (∘) rendered live in different contexts:
🧠 How It Works
Named Entity
∘ is the semantic named entity for U+2218—the easiest to read in source HTML for function composition.
Hexadecimal Code
∘ uses the Unicode hexadecimal value 2218. The x prefix indicates hexadecimal format.
Decimal HTML Code
∘ uses the decimal Unicode value 8728 to display the same character.
CSS Entity
\2218 is used in CSS stylesheets in the content property of pseudo-elements like ::after.
Same visual result
All four methods produce ∘. Unicode U+2218 sits in the Mathematical Operators block. Previous: Right White Arrow From Wall (U+21F0).
Use Cases
The Ring symbol (∘) is commonly used in:
Represent function composition in formulas and proofs.
Write f ∘ g for applying g then f.
Use in algebraic expressions and abstract algebra notation.
Include in set-theoretic and relational composition notation.
Display in textbooks, lecture notes, and math tutorials.
Reference in equation editors and CAS documentation.
💡 Best Practices
Do
- Prefer
∘for readable source markup - Distinguish ∘ from ° (degree) and ○ (white circle)
- Add
aria-labelfor standalone symbols in UI - Test the glyph across browsers and math fonts
- Pair ∘ with plain text on first use (e.g. “composition”)
Don’t
- Confuse ∘ (ring operator) with ° (degree sign)
- Use CSS escape
\2218inside HTML text nodes - Use HTML entities in JS (use
\u2218instead) - Mix entity styles randomly in one file
- Assume all fonts render ∘ at the same size as text
Key Takeaways
Four methods all render ∘
∘ ∘ ∘For CSS, use \2218 in the content property
Unicode U+2218 — RING OPERATOR (function composition)
Prefer ∘ for readability—it’s the named HTML entity
Previous: Right White Arrow From Wall Next: Ring Above
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
∘ (named), ∘ (hex), ∘ (decimal), or \2218 in CSS content. All four methods render ∘ correctly.U+2218 (RING OPERATOR). Mathematical Operators block (U+2200–U+22FF). Hex 2218, decimal 8728. Denotes function composition.∘, ∘, or ∘) go directly in markup. The CSS escape \2218 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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