Set Minus Symbol
∖ is the set minus symbol, used to denote the difference between sets in mathematics.
U+2216
The symbol ∖, also called set minus, represents set difference. It’s commonly used in math writing, notes, and digital documents. You can copy it directly or use standard Unicode escapes in code.
Set Minus Symbol Meaning
∖ (Unicode U+2216) is the set minus symbol. In set theory, it expresses the difference between two sets: the elements that are in one set but not in another. For example, if A and B are sets, A ∖ B denotes the elements of A excluding those that also belong to B. Although it’s primarily mathematical notation, the symbol can also appear in programming discussions, technical documentation, and educational materials where “subtracting” one collection from another is described. Because it’s a distinct Unicode character, it’s better to copy the exact symbol rather than use lookalikes.
Common uses
- •Writing set difference in math notes and worksheets
- •Documenting “items in A but not in B” in educational materials
- •Describing filters and exclusion rules in technical documentation
- •Formulating logic or query explanations that exclude overlapping items
- •Rendering math formulas in web pages and ebooks using Unicode
Examples
∖ Set Minus Symbol (U+2216)
- ∖A ∖ B = { elements in A that are not in B }
- ∖Students ∖ Graduated = students who have not graduated
- ∖Users ∖ Blocked = active users excluding blocked users
- ∖S ∖ {0} means all elements of S except 0
- ∖Files ∖ Temp = files excluding temporary ones
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2216 | |
| HTML Entity | ∖ | |
| HTML Code | ∖ | |
| CSS | \2216 | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8726 | |
| Decimal | 8726 |
How to type Set Minus Symbol (∖)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8726 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 2216 then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 2216. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 2216, 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?
It means “set minus” (set difference): elements in one set that are not in another.
What is the Unicode code point for ∖?
The Unicode code point is U+2216.
How can I use ∖ in HTML?
Use the HTML entity: ∖.
How do I type ∖ in JavaScript?
You can use the Unicode escape \\u{2216}.