±

Plus-Minus Symbol (±)

Copy the Plus-Minus symbol ± to your clipboard, and see its Unicode code point, HTML entity, LaTeX command and how to type it on any device.

What does ± mean?

Plus-minus means “plus or minus”. It shows a measurement uncertainty, as in g = 9.81 ± 0.02 m/s², or both solutions of an equation, as in x = ±2. Its official Unicode name is PLUS-MINUS SIGN.

Codes and properties

Character±
Unicode namePLUS-MINUS SIGN
Code pointU+00B1
Decimal177
Unicode blockLatin-1 Supplement
HTML entity± · ± · ±
CSS\00B1
JavaScript / JSON\u00B1
Python\u00B1 or \N{PLUS-MINUS SIGN}
UTF-8 bytesC2 B1
LaTeX\pm

How to type ±

  • Copy & paste: press the Copy button above, then paste ± anywhere — Word, Google Docs, email, chat or code.
  • Windows (Word, WordPad, Outlook): type 00B1 then press Alt+X. In any app, Win+. opens the symbol panel.
  • Windows Alt code: hold Alt and type 0177 (or 241) on the numeric keypad (Num Lock on), then release Alt. Works in Word, Notepad and most desktop apps.
  • Mac shortcut: press Option+Shift+= (US keyboard layout).
  • Mac (any symbol): switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, hold Option and type 00B1; or press Ctrl+Cmd+Space and search “plus-minus sign”.
  • Linux (GTK/IBus): press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 00b1, then Space.
  • HTML: ± renders as ±.
  • LaTeX: \pm in math mode (amssymb package for some symbols).

Frequently asked questions

How do I type ± on Windows?

In Microsoft Word type 00B1 and press Alt+X. In any app press Win+. to open the symbol panel, or copy ± from this page. You can also hold Alt and type 0177 on the numeric keypad.

How do I type ± on a Mac?

Press Option + Shift + = on a US keyboard layout, or open the Character Viewer with Ctrl+Cmd+Space and search for it.

What is the HTML code for ±?

Use ± or ± (hex) or ± (decimal).

What is the LaTeX command for ±?

Use \pm in math mode.

Related symbols

×Multiplication°Degree÷Division·Middle Dot¬Not

Keep exploring

Reference: Unicode code chart: Latin-1 Supplement (U+0080–U+00FF)