Ratio Symbol
∶ is the ratio punctuation mark used to express ratios in math and technical writing.
U+2236
The symbol ∶ (Unicode U+2236) is commonly read as “ratio.” You can copy it directly or insert it using its HTML, CSS, or JavaScript escapes on this page.
Ratio Symbol Meaning
The symbol ∶ is the Unicode character named “RATIO” (U+2236). It’s typically used as a punctuation-style mark to indicate a ratio between two quantities, values, or measurements. In text, it can appear in labels, comparisons, or formatted expressions where a colon might be ambiguous or where a math-like punctuation style is preferred. Visually, it is heavier and more spaced than a plain colon, making it useful for typography in math-focused documents, diagrams, and data presentations.
Common uses
- •Writing ratios between quantities in math notes and worksheets
- •Labeling ratio relationships in charts, infographics, and diagrams
- •Formatting technical specifications (e.g., mix ratios or scaling factors)
- •Creating consistent typographic styling in documents where a math colon is preferred
- •Designing UI text for educational apps, calculators, and data tools
Examples
∶ Ratio symbol (U+2236)
- ∶Mix A ∶ B = 2 ∶ 1
- ∶The study uses intake ∶ output as 3 ∶ 5
- ∶Scale factor: width ∶ height = 16 ∶ 9
- ∶Budget ratio: fixed ∶ variable = 60 ∶ 40
- ∶Concentration ratio ∶ dilution = 1 ∶ 10
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2236 | |
| HTML Entity | ∶ | |
| HTML Code | ∶ | |
| CSS | \2236 | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8758 | |
| Decimal | 8758 |
How to type Ratio Symbol (∶)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8758 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 2236 then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 2236. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 2236, 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 Ratio symbol mean?
The symbol ∶ is the Unicode character named “RATIO” (U+2236). It’s typically used as a punctuation-style mark to indicate a ratio between two quantities, values, or measurements. In text, it can appear in labels, comparisons, or formatted expressions where a colon might be ambiguous or where a math-like punctuation style is preferred. Visually, it is heavier and more spaced than a plain colon, making it useful for typography in math-focused documents, diagrams, and data presentations.
Is ∶ the same as a regular colon (:)?
No. ∶ is the Unicode “RATIO” character (U+2236), while : is the standard colon. They look different and ∶ is meant for ratio-style punctuation.
How do I copy ∶ into HTML?
Use the HTML entity: ∶.
What is the CSS escape for ∶?
Use the CSS escape: \\2236.
What is the JavaScript escape for ∶?
Use the JavaScript escape: \\u{2236}.