Squared Minus ⊟

⊟ (U+229F) 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: Squared Minus 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: The SQUARED MINUS symbol is a distinct operator in the Unicode set of Mathematical Operators. Its code point is U+229F, and it belongs to the Mathematical Operators block. It is designed to appear as a standalone sign in formulas or in software that needs a specialized subtraction or comparison symbol. In practice, writers and designers use it to convey a specific mathematical meaning when the standard minus sign would not be enough. When people read formulas, they may see the squared minus alongside other operators and interpret it by the surrounding notation and definitions. In user interfaces, it can appear in menus, toolbars, or equation editors as a selectable symbol for a precise operation. The symbol does not replace the ordinary minus, but it adds a separate option for contexts that require a unique sign. Tools that render math content should provide a way to input or display the character where supported. Accessibility considerations include offering a clear description of the symbol for screen readers and captions. Overall, common math symbols indicate operations or comparisons in formulas and user interfaces, and this symbol fills a niche in technical writing and digital documents.

Copy and input: the quickest method is to copy the character here. You can also insert it by its codepoint U+229F 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.