Empty Set Symbol
∅ (empty set) is the symbol for a set that contains no elements.
U+2205
∅ is the standard math symbol for the empty set. It’s commonly used in writing and programming contexts where you want to show “nothing here.” You can copy it directly or use its Unicode code point U+2205.
Empty Set Symbol Meaning
∅, called the empty set, represents a set that has zero elements. In mathematics, it’s the unique set with no members, often used to express cases like “no results,” “no items,” or “an empty collection” in formal notation. You’ll also see it in logic, discrete math, and probability statements to indicate that a given set is empty. Outside math, writers sometimes use ∅ as a visual shorthand for “none,” but its meaning is most precise when used as a true empty set symbol in mathematical or technical contexts.
Common uses
- •Mathematics: writing a set with no elements, e.g., A = ∅
- •Algorithms: representing “no matches found” as an empty collection
- •Data/serialization: marking an empty result set in logs or JSON-like text
- •Formal logic: stating that a predicate yields no satisfying elements
- •Design/UX copy: showing “no items” or “empty state” using a consistent symbol
Examples
∅ Empty Set Symbol (U+2205)
- ∅A = ∅ (the set of elements in A is empty)
- ∅If no solutions exist, then S = ∅.
- ∅The intersection of two disjoint sets can be ∅.
- ∅Results = ∅ when there are zero matches.
- ∅Let B be the set of selected tags; B = ∅ if none are chosen.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2205 | |
| HTML Entity | ∅ | |
| HTML Code | ∅ | |
| CSS | \2205 | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8709 | |
| Decimal | 8709 |
How to type Empty Set Symbol (∅)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8709 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 2205 then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 2205. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 2205, 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 ∅ mean?
∅ means the empty set: a set with no elements.
What is the Unicode code point for ∅?
The Unicode code point for ∅ is U+2205.
How do I copy ∅ into HTML?
You can copy the character directly, or use the HTML entity ∅.
How do I type ∅ in CSS or JavaScript?
In CSS use \2205, and in JavaScript use \u{2205}.