HTML Entities Reference
60+ HTML entities — search, copy entity/hex/decimal codes. Plus encoder/decoder
HTML Encode
HTML Decode
About the HTML Entities Reference
This HTML entities reference lists the named, decimal and hexadecimal codes for the symbols people actually look up — arrows, currency, maths operators, quotation marks and accented characters — each with its rendered form beside it.
HTML entities are the escape codes for characters you cannot type easily or cannot include literally. Some exist because the character is structural, such as the angle brackets; most exist because typing an em dash, a euro sign or a right arrow directly is awkward.
Each character has up to three forms: a memorable name such as →, a decimal code such as →, and a hexadecimal code such as →. Named entities are easier to read but only exist for a defined set, while numeric codes work for any Unicode character.
In a UTF-8 document most of these are optional — you can paste the character directly. Entities remain useful for the five reserved characters, for invisible ones such as non-breaking spaces where the intent should be visible in the source, and in email templates where encoding is less predictable.
How to use the HTML Entities Reference
- Find your character. Browse the categories or search for the symbol you need.
- Compare the codes. See the named, decimal and hexadecimal forms side by side.
- Check the rendering. Confirm the displayed character is the one you want.
- Copy the code. Take whichever form suits your document.
HTML Entities Reference features
- Named, decimal and hexadecimal codes together
- Rendered character shown beside each code
- Arrows, currency, maths and punctuation categories
- Accented and special Latin characters
- One-click copy for any code
- Pure reference, nothing to submit
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need HTML entities in UTF-8?
Mostly not — you can paste characters directly. They remain necessary for the five reserved characters and useful for invisible ones.
What is the difference between named and numeric entities?
Named codes are readable but only exist for a defined set. Numeric codes work for any Unicode character.
Which characters must always be encoded?
The ampersand, less-than, greater-than and, inside attributes, quotes. They have structural meaning in markup.
Why use an entity for a non-breaking space?
Because it is invisible in source. Writing makes the intent obvious to the next person reading the code.
Are the codes copyable?
Yes. Each entity can be copied in whichever form you need.