Minus-or-plus Sign Symbol
∓ indicates that a value can be either minus or plus in the same expression.
U+2213
The symbol ∓ is called the minus-or-plus sign. It’s widely used in mathematics to show two possible results that differ only by the sign. You can copy it directly or use its Unicode code point U+2213.
Minus-or-plus Sign Symbol Meaning
The “minus-or-plus sign” (∓) indicates a paired choice of signs. In mathematical notation, it often appears in formulas where a single expression represents two possible values—one using “−” and one using “+”. For example, when solving equations, a compact form like x = a ∓ b can represent x = a − b and x = a + b. Outside strict math, it can be used in plain text to communicate “either negative or positive” outcomes or options while keeping the writing concise. Because it represents a combined choice, it’s especially useful when you want to avoid repeating nearly identical expressions.
Common uses
- •Indicating two possible solutions in an equation (one subtracting, one adding).
- •Writing compact forms for roots or quadratic solutions (±/∓ style notation).
- •Expressing measurement uncertainty or direction when two sign options apply to the same base value.
- •Formatting technical or academic text where you need “minus or plus” as a single glyph.
- •Preparing math worksheets, slides, and documents that require consistent Unicode symbols.
Examples
∓ Minus-or-Plus Sign (U+2213)
- ∓x = 3 ∓ 2
- ∓y = 5 ∓ 1
- ∓The result is ∓ depending on the branch.
- ∓v = a ∓ b for the two cases.
- ∓Compute ∓ to list both signed outcomes.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2213 | |
| HTML Entity | ∓ | |
| HTML Code | ∓ | |
| CSS | \2213 | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8723 | |
| Decimal | 8723 |
How to type Minus-or-plus Sign Symbol (∓)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8723 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 2213 then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 2213. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 2213, 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 in math?
It means “minus-or-plus,” indicating two possible sign choices in the same expression (one with − and one with +).
Is ∓ the same as ±?
They’re related but not identical. ± usually means “plus or minus,” while ∓ indicates the paired opposite sign choice in a combined expression.
What is the Unicode code point for ∓?
The symbol ∓ is Unicode U+2213.
How can I copy ∓ for use in text or design tools?
Copy the character “∓” directly, or use the HTML entity ∓ or the CSS escape \\\\2213.