↖
Unicode
U+2196LaTeX
\nwarrowHTML entity
HTML decimal
↖MathML
<mo>↖</mo>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- ↗ — North East Arrow
- ↙ — South West Arrow
Use ↖ in the right format
Meaning and usage
Points diagonally toward the upper left.
Use it in diagrams, commutative maps, and directional annotations.
Pronunciation: north west arrow
Formula examples
A\nwarrow BHow to type North West Arrow
- Windows
- Use Character Map and search for North West Arrow, or paste the Unicode character (U+2196).
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search for North West Arrow.
- Microsoft Word
- In an equation, type \nwarrow and press Space when Word supports the command; otherwise insert the Unicode character.
- iPhone and iPad
- Copy and paste ↖, or use a math/LaTeX app. The standard iOS keyboard may not expose every mathematical symbol.
- Android
- Copy and paste ↖, or use a math keyboard or LaTeX editor. Keyboard layouts vary by device and app.
- Google Docs
- For plain text, paste ↖ or use Insert → Special characters. For structured math, use the equation editor and verify \nwarrow.
- Excel
- Paste ↖ into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.
Common mistakes
- Preserve the direction, number of heads, and decoration of ↖; those visual details can distinguish implication, mapping, convergence, or movement.
- For plain text, copy ↖ as U+2196; for structured equations, use \nwarrow in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is North West Arrow.
When to use ↖
- Use ↖ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+2196.
- Use \nwarrow in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when North West Arrow is used in arrows with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- ↗ — North East Arrow
- ↙ — South West Arrow
Font and compatibility notes
Font coverage varies; verify the code point and destination rendering before publication.
Continue the workflow
From North West Arrow to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse ↖ in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
\nwarrowfor LaTeX or the MathML snippet for accessible web equations. - Edit or convertOpen the value in the editor or converter without retyping it.
Review and source notes
Quality tier: catalog
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23
Review method: Catalog review of character identity and notation mappings.
Verified against: Unicode Standard, Unicode mathematical notation guidance, and established LaTeX/MathML syntax.
Reference sources
- The Unicode StandardUnicode Consortium — Character identity, encoding, names, and conformance.
- Unicode Character Code ChartsUnicode Consortium — Code points and official character charts.
Frequently asked questions
What does the North West Arrow symbol mean?
Points diagonally toward the upper left.
What is the LaTeX command for ↖?
Use \nwarrow in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy ↖ as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.