Proportion Symbol
∷ is the Unicode “Proportion” symbol used in math to express proportionality.
U+2237
The symbol ∷ (Unicode U+2237) is commonly known as the Proportion sign. It’s mainly used in mathematical writing to indicate that one quantity is proportional to another. Below you’ll find practical copy/paste options and code-friendly forms.
Proportion Symbol Meaning
∷ is the Unicode character named “PROPORTION” (U+2237). In mathematical contexts, it’s used to express proportionality—i.e., that two quantities are in a proportional relationship. You’ll often see it in written formulas, where it can appear between expressions to suggest that one ratio matches another or that a relationship scales consistently. In addition to mathematics, designers and technical writers sometimes use it as a typographic symbol for “ratio” or “proportional to” when standard words would be less precise. It’s a specific Unicode character, so copying the actual symbol matters for correct rendering.
Common uses
- •Writing proportional relationships in math notes and worksheets
- •Labeling ratio/scale sections in technical documents
- •Creating equation templates in educational content
- •Using in typography where “proportional to” is preferred over words
- •Formatting algebra or similarity statements in drafts
Examples
∷ Proportion Symbol (U+2237)
- ∷If a ∷ b, then a/b is constant.
- ∷x ∷ y implies x scales with y.
- ∷For similar triangles, sides are proportional: a ∷ b.
- ∷In calibration, measured values follow a proportional rule: m ∷ n.
- ∷The ratio stays steady: p ∷ q.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2237 | |
| HTML Entity | ∷ | |
| HTML Code | ∷ | |
| CSS | \2237 | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8759 | |
| Decimal | 8759 |
How to type Proportion Symbol (∷)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8759 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 2237 then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 2237. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 2237, 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 Proportion symbol mean?
∷ is the Unicode character named “PROPORTION” (U+2237). In mathematical contexts, it’s used to express proportionality—i.e., that two quantities are in a proportional relationship. You’ll often see it in written formulas, where it can appear between expressions to suggest that one ratio matches another or that a relationship scales consistently. In addition to mathematics, designers and technical writers sometimes use it as a typographic symbol for “ratio” or “proportional to” when standard words would be less precise. It’s a specific Unicode character, so copying the actual symbol matters for correct rendering.
What is the Unicode character for ∷?
The symbol ∷ is Unicode PROPORTION with code point U+2237, written as HTML entity ∷.
How do I copy and paste ∷ correctly?
Copy the character directly from this page (∷) rather than typing a similar-looking symbol, then paste into your document or editor.
Can I use ∷ in code?
Yes. You can use its escapes such as CSS \\2237 or JavaScript \u{2237}, depending on your environment.
Is ∷ the same as the colon (:) symbol?
No. ∷ is a distinct Unicode character (“Proportion”) and is not interchangeable with the normal colon ':'.