U+21BA · Arrows
Counterclockwise Arrow ↺
The counterclockwise arrow ↺ is an open circle with an arrowhead pointing counterclockwise. It commonly represents undo, reset, or rotating an item to the left in interfaces and instructions. Math and physics texts use it to show rotation direction, and assembly or setup guides use it for turning a knob or screw counterclockwise.
Character codes
| Unicode code point | U+21BA | |
|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 8634 | |
| HTML named entity | ↺ | |
| HTML (hex) | ↺ | |
| HTML (decimal) | ↺ | |
| CSS | \21BA | |
| JavaScript | \u21BA | |
| Python | \u21BA | |
| UTF-8 bytes | E2 86 BA | |
| UTF-16 | 21BA | |
| URL-encoded | %E2%86%BA |
Character details
| Official name | ANTICLOCKWISE OPEN CIRCLE ARROW |
|---|---|
| Unicode block | Arrows |
| General category | Other Symbol (So) |
| SymbolHero category | Arrows |
| Emoji | No |
How to type ↺
Windows
- In Microsoft Word or Outlook: type
21BAthen press Alt + X. - Open Character Map (search “Character Map” in Start), tick “Advanced view”, search for “anticlockwise open circle arrow”, then Select and Copy.
Mac
- Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer, search “anticlockwise open circle arrow”, and double-click the result.
- With the Unicode Hex Input keyboard enabled (System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources), hold Option and type
21BA.
iPhone & Android
- Tap Copy at the top of this page, then long-press where you want it and choose Paste.
Docs & web
- Google Docs: Insert → Special characters, then search “anticlockwise open circle arrow” or enter
U+21BA. - HTML:
↺or↺ - Excel / Google Sheets:
=UNICHAR(8634)
Examples
- ↺ Undo
- Turn ↺ to loosen
- Rotate image ↺ 90°
- ↺ Reset to defaults
Good to know
Don’t mix it up: It is often confused with the anticlockwise gapped circle arrow ⟲ (U+27F2), which has a slightly different shape.
Tip: Label buttons with text as well as ↺, because it can mean undo, refresh, or rotate depending on context.
Display: the character itself is always the same code point, but its shape comes from the font on the device showing it. If you see an empty box, the font lacks this glyph—the text is still correct.
Similar arrows
Questions
What is the Unicode for ↺?
It is U+21BA (ANTICLOCKWISE OPEN CIRCLE ARROW), decimal 8634.
Is there a Windows Alt code for it?
No standard Alt code exists for this character. In Word type 21BA then Alt+X, or copy it from this page.
How do I type it on a Mac?
There is no built-in Option shortcut. Use the Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space) and search “anticlockwise open circle arrow”, or copy it from this page.
What is the HTML code?
Use the named entity ↺ or the numeric reference ↺.