Minus Sign (−)

The true minus sign (−) means subtract or 'below zero' — slightly longer and higher than a hyphen.

−

Minus Sign · U+2212 · Math Symbols

Click the symbol or the button to copy it, then paste it anywhere — documents, messages, bios and code.

Minus Sign codes

Code	Value
Unicode code point	`U+2212`
Unicode name	`Minus Sign`
HTML named entity	`−`
HTML decimal	`−`
HTML hex	`−`
CSS content code	`\2212`
JavaScript / JSON	`\u2212`
Windows Alt code	No standard Alt code — copy it from the card above
LaTeX	`-`

Minus Sign variants (5)

5 related glyphs — click any tile to copy it. Tiles with a page open that symbol's own page.

+Plus Sign-Hyphen-Minus–En Dash—Em Dash ±Plus-Minus Sign

Meaning & usage

The minus sign looks like a hyphen but is a different character: − is a touch longer, sits at mid-height, and is spaced for maths in professional typesetting. It marks subtraction (9 − 4) and negative values (−12°C).

Most people type the hyphen key and never notice, but in printed books, scientific papers and well-made websites the real minus sign keeps numbers aligned and readable. Copy it here when your document deserves the genuine article.

Examples in use

10 − 3 = 7
Overnight low of −6°C
Balance: −$120 (overdrawn)

How to type the minus sign

Windows

There is no Alt code or direct key for −. In Microsoft Word, type 2212 and press Alt+X to convert it. Everywhere else, click the Copy button at the top of this page and paste it (Ctrl+V) — that always works.

Mac

There is no Option-key shortcut for − on a Mac. Open the Character Viewer with Control+Command+Space, search for "Minus Sign", and double-click to insert — or copy it from this page.

iPhone & Android

Most phone keyboards have no built-in key for −. Open this page on your phone, tap Copy, then paste it into your message or bio. (On Android, Gboard's emoji search finds some symbols by name.)

Linux

Press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 2212 and press Enter (works in most GTK apps and terminals with IBus). Or copy it from this page.

Frequently asked questions

Minus sign vs hyphen — what's the difference?

The hyphen (-) joins words and sits lower and shorter. The minus sign (−, U+2212) is a mathematical symbol aligned with the plus sign. Word processors insert the real minus in equation editors.

How do I type the real minus sign?

Copy it from this page, or in Word type 2212 then Alt+X. Most calculators and code, however, expect the ordinary hyphen-minus key.

Why does − sometimes show as a box or question mark?

The box (called tofu) means the device or font viewing it has no drawing for U+2212 (Minus Sign). The character itself is fine — try a different font or a newer device, or use one of the variants on this page.

Is the Minus Sign free to use?

Yes. − is a standard Unicode text character published in the Unicode Character Database. You may use it in personal and commercial documents, designs and products without permission or payment.

Related symbols

+Plus Sign ±Plus-Minus Symbol —Em Dash