U+221E · Mathematical Operators
Infinity Symbol ∞
The infinity symbol, a sideways figure eight, represents an unbounded quantity in mathematics, as in limits that approach ∞ or intervals like (0, ∞). Beyond math, it is widely used for ideas of endlessness and eternity in jewelry designs, tattoos, logos and personal messages. It is also a popular symbol for unlimited plans and offers.
Character codes
| Unicode code point | U+221E | |
|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 8734 | |
| HTML named entity | ∞ | |
| HTML (hex) | ∞ | |
| HTML (decimal) | ∞ | |
| CSS | \221E | |
| JavaScript | \u221E | |
| Python | \u221E | |
| UTF-8 bytes | E2 88 9E | |
| UTF-16 | 221E | |
| URL-encoded | %E2%88%9E |
Character details
| Official name | INFINITY |
|---|---|
| Unicode block | Mathematical Operators |
| General category | Math Symbol (Sm) |
| SymbolHero category | Math Symbols |
| Emoji | No |
How to type ∞
Windows
- Hold Alt and type 236 on the numeric keypad (Num Lock on), then release Alt. Alt 236 uses the code page 437.
- In Microsoft Word or Outlook: type
221Ethen press Alt + X. - Open Character Map (search “Character Map” in Start), tick “Advanced view”, search for “infinity”, then Select and Copy.
Mac
- Press Option + 5 (US English keyboard layout).
- Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer, search “infinity”, and double-click the result.
- With the Unicode Hex Input keyboard enabled (System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources), hold Option and type
221E.
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 “infinity” or enter
U+221E. - HTML:
∞or∞ - Excel / Google Sheets:
=UNICHAR(8734)
Examples
- lim x→∞ 1/x = 0
- Domain: (−∞, 0)
- Friends ∞
Good to know
Don’t mix it up: It is sometimes confused with ♾ (U+267E, PERMANENT PAPER SIGN), which many devices display as an infinity emoji.
Tip: On Windows, hold Alt and type 236 on the numeric keypad; on a Mac, press Option + 5.
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 math symbols
Questions
What is the Unicode for ∞?
It is U+221E (INFINITY), decimal 8734.
Is there a Windows Alt code for it?
Yes: Alt 236 on the numeric keypad.
How do I type it on a Mac?
Option + 5 on a US English keyboard, or use the Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space).
What is the HTML code?
Use the named entity ∞ or the numeric reference ∞.