Circled Asterisk Operator Symbol
⊛ is the circled asterisk operator character used as a math and notation symbol with Unicode U+229B.
U+229B
The symbol ⊛ is called the circled asterisk operator. It appears in math-style notation and can be used in text to mark special operations or references. Below you’ll find practical copy/paste options and Unicode details.
Circled Asterisk Operator Symbol Meaning
⊛ (Unicode U+229B) is the “circled asterisk operator,” a math-category symbol. In typography and notation, it’s often used like an operator marker: to denote a special operation, a placeholder for a combined action, or a stylized “operator” distinct from a plain asterisk. Because it’s visually compact and clearly symbolic, designers and writers also use it to draw attention to items such as footnotes, selection marks, or “apply”/“compute” cues. When composing in systems that support Unicode, it can be directly inserted or referenced by its character code.
Common uses
- •Labeling a custom operator in math notes or documentation
- •Marking a special step in a process or algorithm outline
- •Creating a visually distinct “operator” bullet in educational text
- •Designing UI symbols for actions like compute/apply (where an asterisk is too generic)
- •Using as a decorative but semantic marker for references or footnotes
Examples
⊛ Circled Asterisk Operator (U+229B)
- ⊛Compute the result ⊛ using the given definitions.
- ⊛Step 3: apply the operator ⊛ to each term.
- ⊛Note ⊛: values are normalized before comparison.
- ⊛This table uses ⊛ to indicate a combined operation.
- ⊛Selected items are tagged with ⊛ in the list.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+229B | |
| HTML Entity | ⊛ | |
| HTML Code | ⊛ | |
| CSS | \229B | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8859 | |
| Decimal | 8859 |
How to type Circled Asterisk Operator Symbol (⊛)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8859 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 229B then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 229B. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 229b, then press Enter or Space.
Anywhere
Copy ⊛ with the button above and paste it wherever you need it — this works on every device and in every app, with no keyboard shortcut to remember.
FAQ
What does the Circled Asterisk Operator symbol mean?
⊛ (Unicode U+229B) is the “circled asterisk operator,” a math-category symbol. In typography and notation, it’s often used like an operator marker: to denote a special operation, a placeholder for a combined action, or a stylized “operator” distinct from a plain asterisk. Because it’s visually compact and clearly symbolic, designers and writers also use it to draw attention to items such as footnotes, selection marks, or “apply”/“compute” cues. When composing in systems that support Unicode, it can be directly inserted or referenced by its character code.
What is the Unicode code point for ⊛?
⊛ is Unicode U+229B (Unicode name: CIRCLED ASTERISK OPERATOR).
How can I copy and paste ⊛ in my editor?
Copy the character ⊛ directly from this page and paste it where you need it. Most modern apps support Unicode characters.
Can I reference ⊛ in HTML or CSS?
Yes. HTML entity: ⊛. CSS escape: \\229B.
Does ⊛ have a standard meaning in all fonts and apps?
It’s primarily a math/notation-style operator symbol. Exact interpretation can vary by context, but it’s generally used as an operator marker rather than a regular asterisk.