Music Flat Sign Symbol
The ♭ symbol (U+266D) is used in music to indicate a flat pitch.
U+266D
The ♭ symbol is the music flat sign, used to lower a note by one semitone. You can copy it directly for musical text, titles, and notation. It’s also useful for designers and developers who need a reliable Unicode character.
Music Flat Sign Symbol Meaning
The ♭ (MUSIC FLAT SIGN, U+266D) indicates that a pitch should be lowered by one semitone. In musical notation, it commonly appears in key signatures (e.g., indicating multiple notes are flat throughout the piece) and in accidentals placed near a note to show that specific note is lowered. Outside strict staff notation, you may also see ♭ in chord symbols and lead sheets to communicate harmony (for example, when describing a chord tone that is flattened). When used in text, the symbol usually conveys “flat” in a musical context rather than a general meaning.
Common uses
- •Mark flattened notes in chord symbols and lead sheets
- •Label keys and accidentals in lyric sheets or practice notes
- •Design titles or graphics for music lessons and tutorials
- •Write musical pitches in plain text when staff notation isn’t available
- •Annotate recordings or setlists with flat references
Examples
♭ Music Flat Sign
- ♭Play B♭ major tonight.
- ♭This scale uses F♭ as an accidentals note.
- ♭The chord is C7♭9.
- ♭Key: E♭ major.
- ♭Accent on A♭ beat two.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+266D | |
| HTML Entity | ♭ | |
| HTML Code | ♭ | |
| CSS | \266D | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 9837 | |
| Decimal | 9837 |
How to type Music Flat Sign Symbol (♭)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 9837 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 266D then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 266D. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 266d, 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 Music Flat Sign symbol mean?
The ♭ (MUSIC FLAT SIGN, U+266D) indicates that a pitch should be lowered by one semitone. In musical notation, it commonly appears in key signatures (e.g., indicating multiple notes are flat throughout the piece) and in accidentals placed near a note to show that specific note is lowered. Outside strict staff notation, you may also see ♭ in chord symbols and lead sheets to communicate harmony (for example, when describing a chord tone that is flattened). When used in text, the symbol usually conveys “flat” in a musical context rather than a general meaning.
What Unicode character is the music flat sign?
It is ♭ (MUSIC FLAT SIGN), Unicode code point U+266D.
How do I copy the symbol ♭ for use in text or design?
Copy the character directly from this page. It should paste as a single Unicode symbol in most editors and design tools.
Is ♭ the same as a lowercase 'b'?
No. ♭ is a dedicated Unicode music symbol (U+266D). A lowercase 'b' is a letter and may be interpreted as text rather than musical notation.
Where does the ♭ symbol appear in music?
Common places include key signatures and accidentals beside notes, and it can also appear in chord symbols to show flattened tones.