Character
±
Unicode
U+00B1HTML named
±HTML decimal
±LaTeX
\pmPlus-Minus Sign (±) — Copy & Paste
The plus-minus sign for tolerance, uncertainty, and quadratic solutions.
What does ± mean?
The ± sign means “plus or minus.” It shows two possible values, or the margin of error around a measured value, as in 12.0 ± 0.2.
How ± differs from + and −: ± represents both addition and subtraction choices in one symbol. Use + or − when an expression requires only one operation.
Technical reference
Tap the icon beside any value to place it on your clipboard.
Common uses
Measurement uncertainty
Lab results often write values as 12.0 ± 0.2.
Quadratic roots
The ± sign appears in the quadratic formula solutions.
More math symbols
Looking for Greek letters? See the greek symbol table or the alphabet chart.