Set Minus Symbol

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

Symbol: ∖
Unicode: U+2216
HTML entity: ∖
Category: Math Symbols

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65 of 96 in the math symbols collection

About the set minus symbol

The set minus symbol (∖) appears in mathematical notation to denote the relative complement or set difference operation, where the result contains all elements of one set that are not present in another set. It belongs to the Mathematical Operators block and is classified as a math symbol, used in formal logic, set theory, and related disciplines.

This character is distinct from the standard minus sign or hyphen, as its typographic design typically features a shorter, more upright stroke. In printed and digital mathematical texts, it provides a clear visual distinction between arithmetic subtraction and set-theoretic difference, helping avoid ambiguity in equations and proofs.

How to type Set Minus

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 2216 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 2216.
Or: Control + Command + Space opens the Character Viewer — search by name.