Superscript minus (⁻) is the Unicode character at U+207B in Superscripts and Subscripts. Official name: SUPERSCRIPT MINUS SIGN. It is a precomposed raised minus used for negative exponents and compact scientific notation.
Remember
Character ⁻
Unicode U+207B
Hex entity ⁻
Decimal ⁻
CSS escape \207B
Named entity (none)
Not the same - · − · <sup>-</sup>
Prefer ⁻ or ⁻ in HTML markup. You can also type ⁻ in UTF-8. There is no named entity.
Using Hex Code: ⁻
Using HTML Code: ⁻
Using CSS Entity: ⁻
Typed directly: ⁻
Example: x⁻²
How It Works
1. Hex:U+207B → ⁻ in HTML. The browser turns it into ⁻.
2. Decimal: same code point as 8315 → ⁻. Same result as hex.
3. CSS: use \207B in content (not an HTML entity). #point::after appends that ⁻ after the paragraph text.
4. Typed / example: paste ⁻ in UTF-8, or write x⁻² for a short negative-exponent example.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with Superscript Minus.
Named?
No named entity
HTML5 does not define a named entity for U+207B. Use ⁻ or ⁻.
-
Not a hyphen-minus
Plain - is U+002D. Prefer U+207B only when you need the precomposed superscript form.
⁺
Not superscript plus
Superscript plus is U+207A (⁺). Use U+207B for the minus form.
Fonts
Superscript font coverage
Some UI fonts omit Superscripts and Subscripts. Prefer a font that covers this block for display.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\207B belongs in CSS strings. ⁻ / ⁻ belong in HTML.
Semicolon
End numeric references
Always finish with ; — write ⁻, not ⁻.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Superscript minus (U+207B) and its entity forms (⁻, ⁻, CSS \\207B) are supported in all mainstream browsers. Visible glyphs depend on superscript font coverage.
✓ Universal support
Superscript Minus (⁻)
Encode with hex, decimal, CSS escape, or type the character — same code point everywhere encoding is supported.
100%Browser coverage
Google ChromeSupported
Yes
Microsoft EdgeSupported
Yes
Mozilla FirefoxSupported
Yes
Apple SafariSupported
Yes
OperaSupported
Yes
Internet ExplorerAll versions
Yes
U+207B / entitiesFull support
Bottom line: Prefer ⁻ or ⁻ in HTML. Use \\207B only inside CSS content. There is no named entity.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: this mark is U+207B (decimal 8315) — glyph ⁻.
HTML: use ⁻ or ⁻ — no named entity; typing ⁻ also works.
CSS: use \207B inside content for generated text.
Meaning:⁻ = precomposed superscript minus — not plain -, not ⁺.
One line:U+207B → ⁻ / ⁻ / CSS \207B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use ⁻ (hex), ⁻ (decimal), type ⁻ directly in UTF-8, or the CSS escape \207B in content. There is no named HTML entity for U+207B.
U+207B (SUPERSCRIPT MINUS SIGN). Hex 207B, decimal 8315. It belongs to Superscripts and Subscripts (U+2070–U+209F).
No. HTML5 does not define a named entity for this character. Use numeric forms ⁻ or ⁻.
Use it for compact Unicode negative exponents and scientific notation (for example x⁻² or 10⁻³). Prefer <sup>-</sup> when you want semantic HTML superscript styling of a normal minus or hyphen.
HTML entities (⁻ or ⁻) go in markup. The CSS escape \207B goes in stylesheet strings (usually content on ::before/::after).
No. ⁻ is the precomposed superscript minus (U+207B). A plain hyphen-minus is U+002D. <sup>-</sup> raises a normal minus/hyphen with HTML/CSS — similar look, different character and semantics.
🤔
Did you know?
Superscript minus (⁻) is Unicode U+207B (decimal 8315) — SUPERSCRIPT MINUS SIGN in Superscripts and Subscripts. HTML5 has no named entity — use ⁻ or ⁻. It is used for negative exponents such as x⁻² or 10⁻³. Do not confuse it with a normal hyphen-minus, the math minus sign (U+2212), or superscript plus (U+207A).
