Minus Sign

A symbol from the Math Symbols collection. Click the symbol or the button below to copy.

Symbol: −
Unicode: U+2212
HTML entity: −
Category: Math Symbols

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Download Minus Sign as a vector SVG or a raster PNG.

PNG size

SVG uses the system font stack — open in any vector editor and convert to outlines if needed. PNGs have a transparent background.

2 of 58 in the math symbols collection

About the minus sign symbol

Representing the mathematical operation of subtraction or a negative value, the Minus Sign is usually read aloud as minus or less. While often confused with the standard hyphen-minus found on keyboards, this dedicated character belongs to the Mathematical Operators block and is designed with a specific width and vertical alignment to match the plus sign. Its primary function is to provide typographic consistency in formal documents where precision is required for numerical expressions.

In practical applications, this symbol appears frequently in academic textbooks, financial statements, and professional scientific charts. It is the preferred choice for displaying negative temperatures in weather reports, such as −10 degrees, or for indicating a decrease in currency value. Designers also utilize it in high-quality typesetting to ensure that equations and numbered lists maintain a balanced, professional appearance that a simple hyphen cannot achieve.

How to type Minus Sign

Native keyboard shortcuts for each operating system — derived from the codepoint, so the steps below are always accurate.

Windows

2 options

In Word / Outlook: type 2212 then press Alt + X.
Anywhere: press Win + . to open the emoji & symbol picker, then search.

macOS

2 options

Enable “Unicode Hex Input” in System Settings → Keyboard, then hold Option and type 2212.
Or: Control + Command + Space opens the Character Viewer — search by name.