⌈
Unicode
U+2308LaTeX
\lceilHTML entity
⌈HTML decimal
⌈MathML
<mo>⌈</mo>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- ⌉ — Right Ceiling Bracket
Use ⌈ in the right format
Meaning and usage
Begins ceiling notation, which rounds a real number up to the least integer not below it.
Pair it with a right ceiling bracket around the argument.
Pronunciation: left ceiling bracket
Formula examples
⌈xHow to type Left Ceiling Bracket
- Windows
- Use Character Map or enter U+2308 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 \lceil 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 \lceil.
- 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 ⌈; Pair it with a right ceiling bracket around the argument.
- For plain text, copy ⌈ as U+2308; for structured equations, use \lceil in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Left Ceiling Bracket.
When to use ⌈
- Use ⌈ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+2308.
- Use \lceil in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Left Ceiling Bracket is used in functions operators, number theory with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- ⌉ — Right Ceiling Bracket
Font and compatibility notes
Font coverage varies; verify the code point and destination rendering before publication.
Continue the workflow
From Left Ceiling Bracket to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse ⌈ in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
\lceilfor 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 Left Ceiling Bracket symbol mean?
Begins ceiling notation, which rounds a real number up to the least integer not below it.
What is the LaTeX command for ⌈?
Use \lceil in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy ⌈ as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.