Infinity – Meaning, Copy & Paste, LaTeX, Unicode
Complete mathematical reference, typing shortcuts, character entities, and usage guide for the Infinity (∞).
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What Does the ∞ Symbol Mean?
The infinity symbol (∞), mathematically termed the lemniscate, represents a concept of unbounded quantity that is larger than any real number. In calculus, limits, and set theory, it describes processes that grow without bound or sets with unending cardinality.
Real Numeric Examples
lim_{x → ∞} (1/x) = 0 As the denominator x grows without bound, 1/x approaches zero A classic calculus limit demonstrating that dividing by arbitrarily large quantities yields values infinitesimally close to 0.
∑_{n=1}^{∞} (1/2ⁿ) = 1 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16 + ... = 1 An infinite geometric series that converges precisely to 1, showing how infinite processes can produce finite numerical values.
LaTeX, Unicode, HTML & Keyboard Codes for ∞
Copy individual technical codes and character entities with one click:
\infty U+221E ∞ ∞ Alt+236 Option + 5 How to Type ∞ on Every Device and Application
Step-by-step instructions for Windows, Mac, Word, Google Docs, Excel, HTML, LaTeX, and mobile devices:
Windows
Hold Alt and type 236 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. In Word, type 221E and press Alt + X.
Alt+236 Mac (macOS)
Press Option + 5 on standard Mac keyboards to instantly type the infinity symbol ∞.
Option + 5 Microsoft Word
In Word Equation mode (Alt + =), type \infty and press Space. In normal text, type 221e and press Alt + X.
\infty Google Docs
Go to Insert > Equation, type \infty, and press Space. Or choose Insert > Special characters and search 'infinity'.
\infty Excel / Spreadsheets
Output the ∞ symbol using =UNICHAR(8734). (Note: in math calculations, Excel treats division by zero as #DIV/0!).
=UNICHAR(8734) HTML & Web
Use the HTML named entity ∞ or numeric code ∞.
∞ LaTeX (Math Mode)
Write \infty inside math mode ($...$).
\infty Android & iPhone (iOS)
On iPhone or Android, switch to the symbols keyboard (?123 then =\< or ~#=) to find ∞, or copy it from this page.
∞ Commonly Confused With
Distinguish ∞ from visually similar mathematical glyphs and characters:
Number 8
vs ∞The number 8 is a standard finite digit, while ∞ is a rotated figure-eight representing an unbounded, limitless mathematical concept.
View 8 Number 8 PageProportional To
vs ∞The proportional to symbol (∝, U+221D) is open on the right side and denotes direct variation (y ∝ x), unlike the fully closed double loops of infinity (∞).
Explore in algebra symbolsAleph-Null
vs ∞Aleph-null (ℵ₀) specifically measures the discrete countable cardinality of infinite sets like natural numbers, while ∞ denotes unbounded growth.
Explore in miscellaneous math symbolsFrequently Asked Questions About ∞
Answers to common questions about typing, meaning, and syntax for ∞:
What is the keyboard shortcut for the infinity symbol ∞ on Mac?
On Mac, press Option + 5 to type ∞ directly into any application or browser.
What is the Windows Alt code for infinity ∞?
On Windows with Num Lock active, hold Alt and type 236 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
Is infinity a number in mathematics?
In standard arithmetic, infinity is not a number; it is a mathematical concept describing unboundedness. You cannot perform basic operations like ∞ - ∞ or ∞/∞, which are undefined indeterminate forms.
How do you write the infinity symbol in LaTeX?
In LaTeX math mode, write \infty (e.g., $\lim_{x \to \infty} f(x)$).
What is the mathematical name for the infinity shape?
The geometric curve of the infinity symbol is called a lemniscate, from the Latin word 'lēmniscātus', meaning decorated with ribbons.