Plus minus symbol (±): Meaning, uses, and how to type it. 

You may have seen this plus minus symbol somewhere, especially in places related to mathematics, and you must have wondered what it is or its use. Well, it plays an important part in mathematics, depending on the context.

In this guide, we will explore this symbol and dig deep into where to use it and how to use it, and we will also learn how to type it on a keyboard, so let’s go. 

What is the plus minus symbol? 

The plus or minus symbol is denoted by ±. This symbol is formed by joining a plus symbol (+) with a minus symbol (−). In mathematical terms, it is used where the expression has both addition and subtraction operations. You do not need to write two different expressions but can instead write it using this symbol. One example can make it clearer:- 

x = 10 ± 3 

x gives you two values like this:- 

  x = 10 + 3 = 13

  x = 10 – 3 = 7

Measurements and scientific data also use this symbol to denote uncertainty in data sometimes. 

What does the plus minus symbol mean in mathematics? 

Algebra and the variation in measurement use this symbol most commonly in mathematics, while it depends on the mathematical expression. 

• In Algebra, it helps show two expressions that are going to give two possible outcomes, like this:- 

  x = 8 ± 2

  x = 8 + 2 x = 8 – 2 

  x = 10 x = 6

• While making the report for Measurement, there is some variation; to denote that variation, this symbol has been in use, for example:- 

  L = 25 ± 0.5 cm 

  The point five cm denotes the uncertainty, indicating a probable range between 24.5 cm and 25.5 cm. It helps in laboratories, manufacturing, and when creating technical reports. 

Where is the plus minus symbol used? 

The plus minus sign finds its applications in many disciplines. However, despite the constant nature of its structure, its meaning varies according to the kind of information conveyed.

• Mathematics and algebra 

  As we discussed above with examples that in the field of maths, it is used most commonly in algebra to produce multiple solutions from a single expression without repeating it, while making it short. 

• Science and laboratory measurements 

  To record certain data, including the length, distance, or temperature, this symbol proved to be very effective while showing some kind of uncertainty or variation. 

• Engineering and manufacturing 

  From designers to manufacturers, this symbol helps them in their field; in engineering, it is denoted as a permitted variation from a specified measurement, and this is commonly known as a tolerance. 

  

• Statistics and data reports 

  Plus minus is sometimes used in statistical reports to express uncertainty about an estimated value, for example, margin of error or variation.

• Presentations and educational materials

  Students, teachers, researchers, or professionals usually use this symbol in their presentations made in PowerPoint to show classroom notes, charts, and reports. 

How to insert the plus minus symbol in PowerPoint

PowerPoint is meant to make powerful presentations; let’s explore some methods for how we can insert this symbol into our PPTs. 

• Method-1

  You can simply use the shortcut key to insert this symbol. Depending on the device you have, we are going to discuss this topic in the next section. 

• Method-2

  If the shortcut somehow doesn’t work on your device at the time, you can get the symbol from the symbol menu by following simple steps:- 

  • Open your PowerPoint presentation 
  • Select the intended place where you want to place the symbol 
  • Open the Insert tab 
  • Click Symbol
  • Find the plus minus symbol and select it  
  • Click insert 

    Due to PowerPoint versions, the exact layout can vary, but this method is powerful if you prefer selecting the symbol visually. 

• Method-3

  The simplest one is to copy the symbol and paste it where required, whether in your PowerPoint presentations or in your recordings. 

• Method-4

  Use the powerful feature of PowerPoint to insert this symbol into your slides: PowerPoint’s equation, with the following steps:- 

  • Open the Insert tab
  • Select equation 
  • Use it to insert the required mathematical symbol 
  • Add the rest of the equation and adjust the formatting accordingly 

    This can be helpful in situations where the plus minus sign appears in an equation that is part of a larger calculation and not within the normal text.

How to type the plus minus symbol on a keyboard

As we learn different methods to insert the plus minus symbol in our data, presentation, or related things, it is also very important to understand the insertion of the symbol based on the device you are using. Here are the following steps for each possible device you could have. 

• Windows
  • Place your cursor where you want the symbol 
  • Turn on the number lock 
  • Hold down the Alt key 
  • Type 0177 using the numeric keypad 
  • Release the Alt key 
• Mac 

  For Mac users, it is quite easy like this:- 

  Option + shift + = 

• Linux 
  • Place your cursor in a text field 
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + U 
  • Type 00B1
  • Press Enter or Space, depending on the application 

    Or, if you are still confused, you can simply store the plus minus symbol in your clipboard using copy and paste: ± 

How to use the plus minus symbol in HTML and LaTeX 

When creating websites, technical documents, or mathematical content, this symbol will be needed by you, and inserting it using codes and mathematical notations is what we are going to discuss in this section. 

• Using HTML 

  Format	Code
  Symbol	±
  Named HTML entity	±
  Decimal HTML entity	±
  Unicode code entity	U+00B1

  Example:- 

  5 ± 1 = 5 ± 1

• Using LaTeX

  LaTeX supports a short command for plus minus symbol: \pm

  Example:- 

  x = 10 \pm 3 

  Produces,

  x = 10 ± 3

  It is commonly used for mathematical docs, academic writing, and equations for consistency in formatting. 

plus minus (±) vs minus plus (∓)

We understand plus minus this far, but what is the minus plus symbol? Although serves differently but have the same core principle. Let’s understand the difference and then the examples. 

Symbol	Name	General meaning
±	Plus minus	Plus or minus
∓	Minus plus	Minus or plus
+	Plus	Addition
–	Minus	Subtraction

The difference will be seen clearly in the example:- 

(a ± b)(a ∓ b)

(a + b)(a – b) & (a – b)(a + b)

The symbols move in unison: if the first expression carries a plus symbol, then the other expression will have a minus symbol, and so forth.

Common mistakes when using the plus minus symbol 

Even though the sign is quite basic, some errors could influence the interpretation of an equation or measurement.

• Confusing ± with ∓ 
• Using it without context 
• Assuming it always means a margin of error 
• Typing +/- when the actual symbol is required 
• Ignoring formatting 
• Forgetting to check the result

Using these symbols correctly helps make your mathematical and technical information clearer.

Explore some tools from ToolFlora 

The Plus Minus Sign proves handy while dealing with mathematical expressions and calculations as well as technical literature. In case you have to prepare any sort of notes or assignments that involve numerals, there are some more tools on the website of ToolFlora that would be helpful for you. Try the Number Base Converter while dealing with different bases or use the Word Counter and Character Counter to measure the length of your document.

Frequently asked questions about the plus minus symbol 

Final thoughts 

The Plus Minus Symbol (±) is one of the symbols that can be used to show two different values, indicating measurement uncertainty and tolerance in mathematics, science, engineering, and statistics. The meaning of the Plus Minus symbol changes according to its usage; hence, the importance of understanding the expression in which it is being used.

If you need the Plus Minus Symbol (±) in your writing, you may use the copy-and-paste method. For frequent usage, keyboard shortcuts and symbol menus can be used. For users of mathematical equations and websites, you may use \pm in LaTeX and ± in HTML.