HTML Entity for Superscript Minus (⁻)
What You'll Learn
How to display the Superscript Minus symbol (⁻) in HTML using hexadecimal, decimal, and CSS escape methods. This character is U+207B (SUPERSCRIPT MINUS SIGN) in the Superscripts and Subscripts block (U+2070–U+209F)—used for negative exponents like x⁻² and scientific notation like 10⁻³.
Render it with ⁻, ⁻, or CSS escape \207B. There is no named HTML entity. Do not confuse ⁻ (superscript minus) with ≻ (succeeds, U+227B) or regular hyphen-minus.
⚡ Quick Reference — Superscript Minus
U+207BSuperscripts and Subscripts
⁻Hexadecimal reference
⁻Decimal reference
—Use numeric codes only
Name Value
──────────── ──────────
Unicode U+207B
Hex code ⁻
HTML code ⁻
Named entity (none)
CSS code \207B
Block Superscripts and Subscripts (U+2070–U+209F)
Related U+207A = Superscript Plus (⁺)Complete HTML Example
This example demonstrates the Superscript Minus symbol (⁻) using hexadecimal code, decimal HTML code, and a CSS content escape (no named entity):
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
#point:after{
content: "\207B";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Using Hexadecimal: ⁻</p>
<p>Using HTML Code: ⁻</p>
<p>Negative exponent: x⁻2</p>
<p id="point">Using CSS Entity: </p>
</body>
</html>🌐 Browser Support
The Superscript Minus entity is universally supported in all modern browsers:
👀 Live Preview
See the Superscript Minus symbol (⁻) rendered in different contexts:
🧠 How It Works
Hexadecimal Code
⁻ uses the Unicode hexadecimal value 207B to display the symbol. The x prefix indicates hexadecimal format.
Decimal HTML Code
⁻ uses the decimal Unicode value 8315 to display the same character. This is one of the most commonly used methods.
CSS Entity
\207B 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+207B in the Superscripts and Subscripts block (U+2070–U+209F). No named entity.
Use Cases
The Superscript Minus symbol (⁻) commonly appears in:
Negative exponents like x⁻² and 10⁻³.
Scientific notation and chemistry content.
Textbooks, papers, and online courses.
Technical documentation and research.
Tutorials on exponents and notation.
Journals and conference proceedings.
Calculator interfaces and computational UIs.
💡 Best Practices
Do
- Use
⁻or⁻for superscript minus notation - Pair with superscript digits for exponents (e.g. x⁻2)
- Pick one style (hex or decimal) per project for consistency
- Add
aria-labelfor standalone symbols in math content - Test rendering across browsers and fonts
Don’t
- Confuse ⁻ (superscript minus) with ≻ (succeeds, U+227B)
- Use a regular hyphen-minus where a superscript glyph is needed
- Put CSS escape
\207Bdirectly in HTML text nodes - Expect a named HTML entity for U+207B—use numeric references
- Use HTML entities in JS (use
\u207Binstead)
Key Takeaways
Two HTML references both render ⁻
⁻ ⁻For CSS stylesheets, use the escape in the content property
\207BUnicode U+207B — SUPERSCRIPT MINUS SIGN
No named entity—use numeric references or CSS escape
Pair with ⁺ (superscript plus) for signed exponents
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
⁻ (hex), ⁻ (decimal), or \207B in CSS content. There is no named HTML entity. All three produce ⁻.U+207B (SUPERSCRIPT MINUS SIGN). Superscripts and Subscripts block (U+2070–U+209F). Hex 207B, decimal 8315.⁻ or ⁻) go directly in markup. The CSS escape \207B is used in stylesheets, typically in the content property of pseudo-elements. Same visual result, different layers of the stack.Explore More HTML Entities!
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