Plus sign

ASCII Code: 43•Category: math

The plus sign (+) represents addition, positive values, and concatenation operations, serving as one of the most fundamental symbols in mathematics, programming, and quantitative communication.

Technical Details

ASCII Code: 43
HTML Entity: +
Hexadecimal: 0x2B
Binary: 00101011
Octal: 53

Usage & Examples

Programming

char symbol = '+'; // ASCII 43

HTML/Web

+ or +

Common Uses

plusaddpositiveadditionmathematicsprogramming

How to Type This Character

Windows

Alt Code:

Hold Alt and type43 on numeric keypad

Character Map:

Search "Character Map" in Start menu

Mac

Character Viewer:

Press Ctrl +Cmd +Space

Copy & Paste:

Easiest method - copy from this page!

💡 Pro tip: The fastest way is to bookmark this page or copy the character from our ASCII library!

Related Characters

About the Plus sign

Arithmetic Foundation

Essential for basic addition operations and mathematical education, representing the fundamental concept of combining quantities. Forms the foundation for all advanced mathematical operations and algebraic thinking.

Positive Indication

Indicates positive numbers and values in mathematical and scientific contexts (+5, +12°C), enabling clear communication of sign and direction in numerical data and measurements.

Programming Operations

Critical for addition operations, string concatenation, and array joining in programming languages. Enables data manipulation, mathematical calculations, and text processing in software development.

Symbolic Meaning

Represents concepts of addition, improvement, and positive change in broader cultural contexts, making it a symbol of growth, benefit, and constructive action beyond mathematics.

History of the Plus sign

1489

German Innovation

Johannes Widmann's 'Mercantile Arithmetic' first used + and - symbols for addition and subtraction, replacing written words with concise mathematical notation.

1600s

European Adoption

Mathematical texts across Europe adopted the plus sign for arithmetic operations, standardizing addition notation and making calculations more efficient and clear.

1700s

Scientific Integration

Scientists began using + for positive charges, directions, and values, extending the symbol's meaning beyond arithmetic into physical and scientific applications.

1950s

Computer Programming

Programming languages incorporated + for addition operations and later for string concatenation, making it essential for computational mathematics and data processing.

1970s

Calculator Standard

Electronic calculators standardized the + key for addition operations, making mathematical calculation accessible and cementing the symbol's role in everyday mathematics.

Cultural Impact

The plus sign became synonymous with positive action, improvement, and mathematical literacy, influencing educational methods and representing constructive change in popular culture and communication.

Usage Examples

Basic Arithmetic

Example

5 + 3 = 8, 127 + 58 = 185, Sum = a + b + c

Fundamental addition operations and mathematical expressions

Positive Values

Example

Temperature: +15°C, Profit: +$2,500, Growth: +12%

Indicating positive quantities and beneficial changes

Programming Operations

Example

result = x + y; fullName = firstName + ' ' + lastName;

Addition and string concatenation in software development

Scientific Notation

Example

Electric charge: +1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C, Coordinate: (+5, +3)

Physical properties and mathematical coordinates