Unicode Explained

numero sign by a sequence of ‘N’ followed by the degree sign (U+00B0 DEGREE

SIGN). Implementations interworking with legacy data should be aware of such alter-

native representations for the numero sign when converting data.” This statement de-

scribes legacy data rather than adequate use of the degree sign.

The degree sign is not the same as masculine ordinal indicator (º), although the glyphs

for the two characters may look similar. In Chapter 1, we discussed some of the reasons

for being strict in such issues. The degree sign is not to be confused with superscript

zero U+2070 (digit “0” in superscript style) either.

Division sign ÷ (U+00F7) is a mathematical symbol that mostly denotes division. Its

intended scope of use is unclear. It has been used in school mathematics, as in “100 ÷

5 makes 20.” In some numeric keypads of computer keyboards, there is a key with the ÷

symbol, which means division in calculator usage but may generate the solidus / when

used for character input.

It is probably best to avoid using the division sign, except in special cases where its

meaning can be made clear. It has no tangible benefits over using the solidus /. More-

over, the symbol ÷ is also used to denote subtraction in Denmark and elsewhere in

Europe.

Micro signµ (U+00B5) corresponds to the prefix “micro-” and denotes division by one

million when used as prefix of a unit. For example, “µm” is micrometer—i.e., ...