⋯
Unicode
U+22EFLaTeX
\cdotsHTML entity
⋯HTML decimal
⋯MathML
<mo>⋯</mo>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- ⋮ — Vertical Ellipsis
Use ⋯ in the right format
Meaning and usage
Shows that a horizontal mathematical sequence continues.
Prefer centered dots for operations and matrix entries rather than text-baseline punctuation.
Pronunciation: horizontal ellipsis
Formula examples
a₁+⋯+aₙHow to type Horizontal Ellipsis
- Windows
- Use Character Map or enter U+22EF in a Unicode-aware application.
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search by the symbol name.
- Microsoft Word
- In an equation, type \cdots and press Space when Word supports the command.
- 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 \cdots.
- 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 grouping, operator order, and spacing around ⋯; Prefer centered dots for operations and matrix entries rather than text-baseline punctuation.
- For plain text, copy ⋯ as U+22EF; for structured equations, use \cdots in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Horizontal Ellipsis.
When to use ⋯
- Use ⋯ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+22EF.
- Use \cdots in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Horizontal Ellipsis is used in discrete math, linear algebra with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- ⋮ — Vertical Ellipsis
Font and compatibility notes
Font coverage varies; verify the code point and destination rendering before publication.
Continue the workflow
From Horizontal Ellipsis to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse ⋯ in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
\cdotsfor 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 Horizontal Ellipsis symbol mean?
Shows that a horizontal mathematical sequence continues.
What is the LaTeX command for ⋯?
Use \cdots in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy ⋯ as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.