Slash (/) is the Basic Latin character at Unicode U+002F. Official name: SOLIDUS (forward slash). You can type / directly in HTML, or write it with a named or numeric entity when encoding must be explicit.
Remember
Character /
Unicode U+002F
Named entity /
Hex entity /
Decimal /
CSS escape \2F
Not the same \ · ⁄ · ∕
Prefer typing / in normal page text, URLs, and paths. Use / or numeric forms when you need an explicit entity reference.
Slash using Named Entity: /
Slash using Hex Code: /
Slash using HTML Code: /
Slash using CSS Entity: /
Typed directly: /
URL: https://example.com
Date: 09/24/2026
How It Works
1. Named:/ is the HTML5 name for U+002F → /. Useful when an entity must be explicit.
2. Hex:U+002F → / in HTML. Same glyph as named and typed forms.
3. Decimal: same code point as 47 → /. Same result as hex and named.
4. CSS: use \2F in content (not an HTML entity). #point::after appends that / after the paragraph text.
5. Typed / uses: type / for everyday text. https://example.com shows the same URL as typing the slashes.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with the slash.
Default
Type / when you can
Unlike & or <, slash is safe in normal HTML text. Entities are optional.
\
Not a backslash
/ is U+002F. \ is U+005C (\) — used in Windows paths and escapes.
⁄
Fraction slash is different
U+2044 (⁄) is for typographic fractions. Everyday dates and URLs use U+002F.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\2F belongs in CSS strings. / / / / / belong in HTML.
Semicolon
End named entities
Always finish with ; — write /, not &sol.
Tags
Closing tags need a real /
Write </div> with a typed slash. Do not replace the tag slash with /.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Slash (U+002F) and its entity forms (/, /, /, CSS \\2F) are supported in all mainstream browsers.
✓ Universal support
Slash (/)
Type /, or encode with named, hex, decimal, or CSS escape — same glyph everywhere.
100%Browser coverage
Google ChromeSupported
Yes
Microsoft EdgeSupported
Yes
Mozilla FirefoxSupported
Yes
Apple SafariSupported
Yes
OperaSupported
Yes
Internet ExplorerAll versions
Yes
U+002F / entitiesFull support
Bottom line: Use a typed / for normal text, URLs, and paths. Prefer / when encoding must be explicit, and \\2F only inside CSS content.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: slash is U+002F (decimal 47) — solidus /.
HTML: type /, or use / / / / / when needed.
CSS: use \2F inside content for generated text.
Meaning:/ ≠ \ ≠ fraction slash ⁄.
One line:U+002F → type /, or / / / / / / CSS \2F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Type / directly in most HTML text, or use / (named), / (hex), / (decimal), or the CSS escape \2F in content. Prefer typing / unless you need an explicit entity.
U+002F (SOLIDUS). Hex 2F, decimal 47. It belongs to the Basic Latin (ASCII) block.
Yes. Use /. Numeric forms / and / also work. Typing / is usually best for normal body text.
No. / is U+002F (solidus, /). \ is U+005C (backslash, \). ⁄ is U+2044 (fraction slash) — a different typographic slash for fractions.
Use / when generating markup that must be escaped consistently, or when an explicit entity is clearer for tooling. For URLs, paths, and dates in normal HTML, type /.
HTML entities (/, /, or /) go in markup. The CSS escape \2F goes in stylesheet strings (usually content on ::before/::after).
🤔
Did you know?
Slash (solidus) is Unicode U+002F (decimal 47). HTML5 names it /. In normal page text you can usually type / directly — it is not reserved like & or <. Do not confuse it with backslash \ (\, U+005C) or fraction slash ⁄ (U+2044).
