U+222A · Mathematical Operators
Union ∪
The union symbol combines sets: A ∪ B contains every element that is in A, in B, or in both. It is used throughout set theory, probability and discrete math, and it often appears in explanations of search and database queries to illustrate "OR" logic.
Character codes
| Unicode code point | U+222A | |
|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 8746 | |
| HTML named entity | ∪ | |
| HTML (hex) | ∪ | |
| HTML (decimal) | ∪ | |
| CSS | \222A | |
| JavaScript | \u222A | |
| Python | \u222A | |
| UTF-8 bytes | E2 88 AA | |
| UTF-16 | 222A | |
| URL-encoded | %E2%88%AA |
Character details
| Official name | UNION |
|---|---|
| Unicode block | Mathematical Operators |
| General category | Math Symbol (Sm) |
| SymbolHero category | Math Symbols |
| Emoji | No |
How to type ∪
Windows
- In Microsoft Word or Outlook: type
222Athen press Alt + X. - Open Character Map (search “Character Map” in Start), tick “Advanced view”, search for “union”, then Select and Copy.
Mac
- Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer, search “union”, and double-click the result.
- With the Unicode Hex Input keyboard enabled (System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources), hold Option and type
222A.
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 “union” or enter
U+222A. - HTML:
∪or∪ - Excel / Google Sheets:
=UNICHAR(8746)
Examples
- A ∪ B = {1, 2, 3, 4}
- P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) − P(A ∩ B)
- ℝ = (−∞, 0) ∪ [0, ∞)
Good to know
Don’t mix it up: It looks like a capital letter U, and also like ⋃ (U+22C3, N-ARY UNION), the larger operator for unions of many sets.
Tip: Use the HTML named entity ∪ on web pages.
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+222A (UNION), decimal 8746.
Is there a Windows Alt code for it?
No standard Alt code exists for this character. In Word type 222A 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 “union”, or copy it from this page.
What is the HTML code?
Use the named entity ∪ or the numeric reference ∪.