U+203B · General Punctuation
Reference Mark ※
Reference Mark is the Unicode character U+203B (official name “REFERENCE MARK”) from the General Punctuation block. It belongs to SymbolHero’s punctuation collection. Copy it with the button, or use the codes and keyboard methods below to type it yourself.
UnicodeU+203B
HTML※
※U+203B
Character codes
| Unicode code point | U+203B | |
|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 8251 | |
| HTML (hex) | ※ | |
| HTML (decimal) | ※ | |
| CSS | \203B | |
| JavaScript | \u203B | |
| Python | \u203B | |
| UTF-8 bytes | E2 80 BB | |
| UTF-16 | 203B | |
| URL-encoded | %E2%80%BB |
Character details
| Official name | REFERENCE MARK |
|---|---|
| Unicode block | General Punctuation |
| General category | Other Punctuation (Po) |
| SymbolHero category | Punctuation |
| Emoji | No |
How to type ※
Windows
- In Microsoft Word or Outlook: type
203Bthen press Alt + X. - Open Character Map (search “Character Map” in Start), tick “Advanced view”, search for “reference mark”, then Select and Copy.
Mac
- Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer, search “reference mark”, and double-click the result.
- With the Unicode Hex Input keyboard enabled (System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources), hold Option and type
203B.
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 “reference mark” or enter
U+203B. - HTML:
※ - Excel / Google Sheets:
=UNICHAR(8251)
Similar punctuation
Questions
What is the Unicode for ※?
It is U+203B (REFERENCE MARK), decimal 8251.
Is there a Windows Alt code for it?
No standard Alt code exists for this character. In Word type 203B 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 “reference mark”, or copy it from this page.
What is the HTML code?
Use the numeric reference ※ (or ※). There is no named entity.