↕
Unicode
U+2195LaTeX
\updownarrowHTML entity
HTML decimal
↕MathML
<mo>↕</mo>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- ↑ — Up Arrow
- ↓ — Down Arrow
Use ↕ in the right format
Meaning and usage
Shows movement or relation in both vertical directions.
Use it for bidirectional vertical processes, ordering diagrams, or keyboard notation.
Pronunciation: up down arrow
Formula examples
a\updownarrow bHow to type Up Down Arrow
- Windows
- Use Character Map and search for Up Down Arrow, or paste the Unicode character (U+2195).
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search for Up Down Arrow.
- Microsoft Word
- In an equation, type \updownarrow 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 \updownarrow.
- 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+2195; for structured equations, use \updownarrow in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Up Down Arrow.
When to use ↕
- Use ↕ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+2195.
- Use \updownarrow in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Up Down Arrow is used in arrows with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- ↑ — Up Arrow
- ↓ — Down Arrow
Font and compatibility notes
Font coverage varies; verify the code point and destination rendering before publication.
Continue the workflow
From Up Down Arrow to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse ↕ in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
\updownarrowfor 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 Up Down Arrow symbol mean?
Shows movement or relation in both vertical directions.
What is the LaTeX command for ↕?
Use \updownarrow in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy ↕ as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.