HTML Entity for Up Down Arrow Base (↨)
What You'll Learn
How to display the Up Down Arrow Base (↨) in HTML using hexadecimal, decimal, and CSS escape methods. This character is U+21A8 (UP DOWN ARROW WITH BASE) in the Arrows block (U+2190–U+21FF)—a bidirectional vertical arrow with a horizontal base line, used for navigation, UI controls, and expand/collapse indicators.
Render it with ↨, ↨, or CSS escape \21A8. There is no named HTML entity. Compare ↕ (up down arrow, U+2195, ↕) for the plain vertical bidirectional arrow without a base.
⚡ Quick Reference — Up Down Arrow Base
U+21A8Arrows block
↨Hexadecimal reference
↨Decimal reference
—Use numeric codes only
Name Value
──────────── ──────────
Unicode U+21A8
Hex code ↨
HTML code ↨
Named entity (none)
CSS code \21A8
Official name UP DOWN ARROW WITH BASE
Related U+2195 = Up down arrow (↕)
Block Arrows (U+2190–U+21FF)Complete HTML Example
A simple example showing ↨ using hexadecimal code, decimal HTML code, and a CSS content escape:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
#point::after{
content: "\21A8";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Up Down Base (hex): ↨</p>
<p>Up Down Base (decimal): ↨</p>
<p id="point">Up Down Base (CSS): </p>
</body>
</html>🌐 Browser Support
U+21A8 is supported in modern browsers when rendered with a font that includes Arrows:
👀 Live Preview
See the Up Down Arrow Base (↨) in navigation and UI contexts:
🧠 How It Works
Hexadecimal Code
↨ uses the Unicode hexadecimal value 21A8 to display the Up Down Arrow Base. The x prefix indicates hexadecimal format.
Decimal HTML Code
↨ uses the decimal Unicode value 8616 to display the same character.
CSS Entity
\21A8 is used in CSS stylesheets in the content property of pseudo-elements like ::before and ::after.
Same visual result
All three methods produce: ↨. Unicode U+21A8 in the Arrows block (U+2190–U+21FF). The horizontal base line anchors the bidirectional vertical arrow to a reference point.
Use Cases
The Up Down Arrow Base (↨) is commonly used in:
Accordion headers and panels showing bidirectional movement from a base line.
Menus indicating vertical movement anchored to a baseline or section.
Resize handles and split-pane controls with a grounded vertical arrow.
Icon sets with up-down arrows that include a base or anchor line.
Flowcharts showing vertical movement from a fixed reference point.
Dashboards with expandable sections and vertical range controls.
💡 Best Practices
Do
- Use
↨or↨consistently in markup - Add
aria-labelwhen the arrow conveys expand/collapse or resize meaning - Use ↨ when a base line adds context; use ↕ (
↕) for plain vertical bidirectional arrows - Use
\21A8in CSS::before/::afterfor icon buttons - Serve pages with UTF-8 (
<meta charset="utf-8">)
Don’t
- Confuse ↨ (with base) with ↕ (
↕, plain up-down arrow) - Use U+021A8 or CSS
\021A8—the correct value is U+21A8 and\21A8 - Expect a named entity—none exists for U+21A8
- Put CSS escape
\21A8in HTML text nodes - Assume all decorative fonts include extended Arrows glyphs
Key Takeaways
Two HTML numeric references render ↨
↨ ↨For CSS stylesheets, use \21A8 in content
Unicode U+21A8 — UP DOWN ARROW WITH BASE
Plain up-down arrow: ↕ via ↕ (U+2195)
Three methods, one glyph — no named HTML entity
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
↨ (hex), ↨ (decimal), or \21A8 in CSS content. There is no named entity. All produce ↨.U+21A8 (UP DOWN ARROW WITH BASE). Arrows block (U+2190–U+21FF). Hex 21A8, decimal 8616.↨ or ↨) go in markup. The CSS escape \21A8 is used in stylesheets, typically in the content property of pseudo-elements.↕ (U+2195). Extended Arrows block characters such as U+21A8 use numeric hex or decimal references—standard practice for specialized arrow glyphs.Explore More HTML Entities!
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