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Dot Minus Symbol

∸ is the dot minus symbol (U+2238) used as a compact minus-style mark.

U+2238

The symbol ∸ is known as the dot minus. It’s a Unicode character with the code point U+2238. Use it anywhere you need a small, typographic “minus” mark.

Dot Minus Symbol Meaning

∸ is the Unicode “DOT MINUS” symbol (U+2238). As its name suggests, it visually resembles a minus sign with a dot/marker emphasis, making it useful when a design calls for a compact “minus” indication rather than a full-length hyphen. In practice, people use ∸ as a decorative or typographic separator, a subtle way to represent subtraction or subtraction-like emphasis, and a symbol to denote change (for example, “minus” in a UI label or a note). Because it’s a specific Unicode character, it’s generally preferred over creative approximations when consistent typography matters.

Common uses

  • Indicating subtraction or decrease in headings, callouts, or labels
  • Using as a typographic minus-style separator in posters and layouts
  • Creating a compact “removed/negative” marker in UI mockups
  • Writing short technical notes where a distinct minus-like glyph is preferred
  • Adding decorative emphasis in documents, resumes, and design elements

Examples

∸ Dot Minus Symbol

  • Balance: 10 ∸ 2
  • Temperature: +5 ∸ 1
  • Item removed ∸ confirmation
  • Score change: 100 ∸ 25
  • Error: value ∸ corrected

Variations

Ready to copy

Technical codes

UnicodeU+2238
HTML Entity∸
HTML Code∸
CSS\2238

FAQ

What does the Dot Minus symbol mean?

∸ is the Unicode “DOT MINUS” symbol (U+2238). As its name suggests, it visually resembles a minus sign with a dot/marker emphasis, making it useful when a design calls for a compact “minus” indication rather than a full-length hyphen. In practice, people use ∸ as a decorative or typographic separator, a subtle way to represent subtraction or subtraction-like emphasis, and a symbol to denote change (for example, “minus” in a UI label or a note). Because it’s a specific Unicode character, it’s generally preferred over creative approximations when consistent typography matters.

What is the Unicode name of ∸?

The Unicode name is “DOT MINUS”.

What is the Unicode code point for the dot minus symbol ∸?

Its code point is U+2238.

How can I copy ∸ into my code or documents?

You can copy the character directly, or use the provided escapes: HTML ∸, CSS \\\\2238, or JavaScript \\\\u{2238}.

Is ∸ the same as a regular minus sign?

It’s related visually to subtraction, but it is a distinct Unicode character (DOT MINUS), not the standard hyphen-minus or minus sign.