Subset of or Equal To ⊆

⊆ (U+2286) is a standard Unicode character that you can copy and paste anywhere text is accepted. This page provides a concise reference with safe tips, internal links, and practical guidance so you can use it reliably across apps and platforms.

What it is and where it’s used: Subset of or Equal To is part of the Symbols family (block: Mathematical Operators). If you need styled or decorative alternatives, try our Fancy Text tool to generate compatible text that works in most modern interfaces.

History & usage: In this character, Subset of or equal to is used in math to compare elements. The symbol looks like a subset sign with an equals sign. It appears in formulas, software, and documentation to show that one set is contained in another or equal. In everyday math, it helps express relationships that are not strict inclusion. In user interfaces, the symbol is used in dropdowns, checklists, and search filters to convey a bound or order. When you see the symbol, treat it as a relation between two items. It can mean that every element of the first set is also in the second, or that the two sets share this boundary. The Unicode block is Mathematical Operators, and the script is Common. This character's usage is common in teaching, notes, and programming tables. It helps save space and clarifies math notation. Remember to apply the relation correctly to avoid misinterpretation in formulas and code.

Copy and input: the quickest method is to copy the character here. You can also insert it by its codepoint U+2286 in many development tools or editors. Some operating systems provide a character viewer or input palette that lets you search by name or code and insert the glyph into documents.

Display and fallback: if you see an empty box (tofu) or a placeholder rectangle, the active font might not include this codepoint. Switching to a font with broader Unicode coverage or using a fallback font usually fixes the issue. On the web, ensure the page’s font stack includes a general‑purpose fallback.

Related references: browse the Categories for similar characters. When choosing a symbol, prefer the official codepoint for semantic clarity and better compatibility with search, copy, and accessibility tooling.

See our category page for related symbols.