Infinity Symbol
The infinity symbol ∞ is U+221E. Copy it below with its relatives: the infinity emoji ♾️, plus infinity +∞, minus infinity −∞ and the incomplete infinity ⧜. This page also separates the math meaning of ∞ from the way people use it as a sign for forever.
Infinity signs
Infinity lines
Copy the infinity symbol in three steps
- Tap ∞ for the math sign, or ♾️ for the emoji.
- For a phrase, tap one of the ready-made lines, such as ∞ forever ∞ or x → ∞.
- Paste it into your document, message or bio. Use the Windows or Mac shortcut below if you need it often.
Infinity signs with names, codes and shortcuts
| Sign | Unicode name | Code | HTML | Windows | Mac | LaTeX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ∞ | Infinity | U+221E | ∞ |
Alt+236 | Option+5 | \infty |
| ♾ | Permanent Paper Sign | U+267E | ♾ |
– | – | – |
| ⧜ | Incomplete Infinity | U+29DC | ⧜ |
– | – | – |
| ⧝ | Tie Over Infinity | U+29DD | ⧝ |
– | – | – |
| ⧞ | Infinity Negated With Vertical Bar | U+29DE | ⧞ |
– | – | – |
The math meaning
In mathematics, ∞ stands for something that grows without end. It is not a number, so it follows its own rules. In a limit such as lim x→∞ 1/x = 0, it shows that x grows larger and larger. Positive and negative infinity, +∞ and −∞, mark the two ends of the number line, and an interval such as (0, ∞) means every number greater than 0. The signs ⧜ ⧝ ⧞ belong to a small family of infinity variants in the Miscellaneous Mathematical Symbols-B block, used in specialist notation.
Math ∞ and the forever sign
Outside math, the infinity sign has become a sign for forever, endless love or a loop. People write it in bios, tattoos and captions, usually as ∞ or as the emoji ♾️. Both uses are fine, but they are not the same thing. The emoji ♾️ has a different code, U+267E, and it was designed for acid-free paper, so a formula should use ∞ and a caption can use either one. A short comparison with the symbol you may need next is on the delta symbol page.
Framed lines and more math signs
These framed lines suit a bio or a caption. The math group below holds the signs that often appear next to ∞, such as ≤ ≥ and ∑.
Framed infinity lines
Math symbols
A short history
The English mathematician John Wallis introduced the symbol in 1655 in a work on conic sections. Wallis did not say why he chose it. The shape is called a lemniscate, a name taken from similar curves in algebraic geometry, and in some trades it is also called a lazy eight. Source: Wikipedia, article Infinity symbol.
Device check
The signs are copied exactly as shown, with the code in the tables. We have not yet tested them on specific phones or systems. If one appears as a box, email [email protected] with the character, device and system version.
More signs are on symbols.
Frequently asked questions
How do I type the infinity symbol?
On Windows, hold Alt and type 236 on the number pad. On a Mac, press Option+5. In Word, type 221E and press Alt+X. In LaTeX write \infty.
Is the infinity emoji the same as ∞?
No. The emoji ♾️ is U+267E, whose Unicode name is Permanent Paper Sign, and it was first used to mark acid-free paper. ∞ is the math sign U+221E. Use ∞ for math and either one for decoration.
Is infinity a number?
No. In math, ∞ is a symbol for a quantity without bound. It is not a real number, so you cannot add or divide by it as you would a number. It appears in limits, such as the limit of 1/x as x goes to ∞.
Who introduced the symbol?
The English mathematician John Wallis used the symbol in 1655. The shape is also called a lemniscate. Wallis did not explain why he chose it.
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