HTML Entity for Subscript Minus (₋)
What You'll Learn
How to display the Subscript Minus symbol (₋) in HTML using hexadecimal, decimal, and CSS escape methods. This character is U+208B (SUBSCRIPT MINUS) in the Superscripts and Subscripts block (U+2070–U+209F)—used for a minus sign in subscript position.
Render it with ₋, ₋, or CSS escape \208B. There is no named HTML entity. It is commonly used in mathematical expressions, chemical formulas, and scientific notation where a dedicated subscript minus glyph is needed.
⚡ Quick Reference — Subscript Minus
U+208BSuperscripts and Subscripts
₋Hexadecimal reference
₋Decimal reference
—Use numeric codes only
Name Value
──────────── ──────────
Unicode U+208B
Hex code ₋
HTML code ₋
Named entity (none)
CSS code \208B
Block Superscripts and Subscripts (U+2070–U+209F)
Related U+208A = Subscript plus (₊)Complete HTML Example
This example demonstrates the Subscript Minus symbol (₋) using hexadecimal code, decimal HTML code, and a CSS content escape (no named entity):
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
#point:after{
content: "\208B";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Subscript Minus using Hexadecimal: ₋</p>
<p>Subscript Minus using HTML Code: ₋</p>
<p id="point">Subscript Minus using CSS Entity: </p>
</body>
</html>🌐 Browser Support
The Subscript Minus entity is universally supported in all modern browsers:
👀 Live Preview
See the Subscript Minus symbol (₋) rendered in different contexts:
🧠 How It Works
Hexadecimal Code
₋ uses the Unicode hexadecimal value 208B to display the Subscript Minus symbol. The x prefix indicates hexadecimal format.
Decimal HTML Code
₋ uses the decimal Unicode value 8331 to display the same character. This is one of the most commonly used methods.
CSS Entity
\208B is used in CSS stylesheets, particularly in the content property of pseudo-elements like ::before and ::after.
Same visual result
All three methods produce the glyph: ₋. Unicode U+208B in the Superscripts and Subscripts block (U+2070–U+209F). No named entity.
Use Cases
The Subscript Minus symbol (₋) commonly appears in:
Equations and formulas with subscript minus notation.
Chemistry content and molecular notation with subscript signs.
Research papers and technical documentation.
Textbooks, educational websites, and online courses.
Tutorials teaching math, chemistry, and physics notation.
Academic journals and conference proceedings.
Calculator interfaces and computational tool UIs.
💡 Best Practices
Do
- Use
₋or₋for the dedicated subscript minus glyph - Pick one style (hex or decimal) per project for consistency
- Serve pages with UTF-8 (
<meta charset="utf-8">) - Add
aria-labelwhen the symbol stands alone in math content - Test rendering across browsers and fonts
Don’t
- Confuse ₋ with a regular hyphen-minus (−) in subscript context
- Put CSS escape
\208Bdirectly in HTML text nodes - Assume every font renders ₋ clearly at small sizes
- Expect a named HTML entity for U+208B—use numeric references
- Use HTML entities in JS (use
\u208Binstead)
Key Takeaways
Two HTML references both render ₋
₋ ₋For CSS stylesheets, use the escape in the content property
\208BUnicode U+208B — SUBSCRIPT MINUS
No named entity—use numeric references or CSS escape
Part of the Superscripts and Subscripts block (U+2070–U+209F)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
₋ (hex), ₋ (decimal), or \208B in CSS content. There is no named HTML entity. All three produce ₋.U+208B (SUBSCRIPT MINUS). Superscripts and Subscripts block (U+2070–U+209F). Hex 208B, decimal 8331.₋ or ₋) go directly in markup. The CSS escape \208B is used in stylesheets, typically in the content property of pseudo-elements. Same visual result, different layers of the stack.Explore More HTML Entities!
Discover 1500+ HTML character references — math operators, subscripts, superscripts, and more.
About the author
8 people found this page helpful