The Plus or Minus symbol (±) is commonly used in mathematics, engineering, and science to indicate a value that can be both positive or negative. It is widely used in approximate calculations, error margins, and confidence intervals. For example, 5 ± 2 means the value could be either 3 or 7. This symbol also appears in electrical circuits, chemistry (for oxidation states), and temperature ranges.
±
∓
⊕
⊖
⊞
⊟
∔
+
−
How to Use Plus or Minus Symbols?
- Mathematics & Science
- Used to indicate positive and negative solutions in quadratic equations (e.g., x = 5 ± 3).
- Represents margin of error in scientific calculations.
- Used in temperature variations (e.g., 20°C ± 2°C).
- Physics & Engineering
- Found in voltage and polarity signs for electrical circuits.
- Used in chemistry to indicate charge states of ions.
- Programming & Logic
- Used in software development for conditions with two possible values.
- Typography & Design
- Used for artistic or stylistic purposes in usernames, bios, and creative text designs.
List of Plus or Minus Symbols and Variants
Here are various Plus or Minus symbols and related characters:
Basic Plus or Minus Symbols
- ± – Plus or Minus Sign (U+00B1)
- ∓ – Minus or Plus Sign (U+2213)
Mathematical Variants
- ⊕ – Circled Plus (Direct Sum, Exclusive OR in logic)
- ⊖ – Circled Minus (Used in set theory and logic)
- ⊞ – Squared Plus (Mathematical addition operation)
- ⊟ – Squared Minus (Mathematical subtraction operation)
- ∔ – Dot Plus (Vector calculus, tensor algebra)
Related Symbols
- + – Plus symbol (Basic addition symbol)
- − – Minus symbol (Basic subtraction symbol)
- ÷ – Division symbol (Related to operations with plus/minus)
- × – Multiplication symbol (Commonly seen alongside ± in equations)