A symbol number usually refers to the number sign (#), a character used to identify a number, label an item, create a hashtag, or perform a special function in technology. After working with symbols, Unicode characters, and mathematical notation, I have found that this tiny mark causes surprising confusion because people also call it a hash, pound sign, or hashtag.
If you searched for the symbol for number, you may simply want to copy #, understand what it means, or find the difference between #, №, and £. This guide explains the number sign symbol, its Unicode character, common names, keyboard use, copy-and-paste options, and real-world meanings without the confusing technical language found on many symbol pages.
What’s the meaning of the Number Sign
The symbol number (#) commonly means “number” or “numbered” when placed before a numeral. For example, #1 can be read as “number one,” while Item #25 identifies a specific item. This simple number notation is especially common in American English.
However, the meaning of the number sign depends on context. The same character can act as a hash symbol in computing, a pound key on a telephone keypad, or a hashtag on social media. That is why recognizing the surrounding text is essential.
The Unicode Standard lists # as U+0023 NUMBER SIGN, although the character can also function as a symbol in specific contexts.
Number Sign Symbol
The most common symbol number is:
You can use this number sign symbol before a numeral to indicate a numbered position, label, or reference. Examples include #1, #10, Room #204, and Question #5. The character is small, but its purpose becomes clear from the information around it.
In modern communication, the same symbol for number has expanded far beyond simple numbering. On social media, a number sign before a word creates a hashtag, while in programming and markup languages the character may trigger a command, comment, identifier, or other technical function.
| Symbol | Common Name | Common Meaning |
| # | Number sign | Number or numbered item |
| # | Hash | Technical or computing context |
| # | Pound key | Telephone keypad in the USA |
| #word | Hashtag | Social media tag |
| № | Numero sign | Abbreviation for “number” |
| £ | Pound sign | Currency symbol |
| ♯ | Sharp sign | Musical notation |
Symbol Meaning
The basic symbol number meaning is straightforward: it can identify or introduce a number. A phrase such as Apartment #12 means Apartment Number 12. In this context, the number sign acts like a short visual abbreviation that makes written information more compact.
Still, the symbol has changed with technology. Someone reading #10 may understand “number ten,” while someone seeing #SEO immediately recognizes a hashtag. A programmer may interpret the same hash character according to a language-specific rule, proving that symbols gain meaning through context.
The symbol number (#) should not be confused with the numero sign (№). The Unicode Standard treats these as separate characters: # is U+0023 NUMBER SIGN, while № is U+2116 NUMERO SIGN.
The most important thing to remember is that the number sign is not limited to one meaning. Its role changes according to whether you are reading ordinary text, a telephone keypad, social media, typography, or technical content.
Synonyms
The symbol number (#) has several names. In the United States, it is commonly called the number sign or pound sign. On computer and programming platforms, people often call it the hash, while on social media it is widely known as the hashtag symbol.
These names can create confusion because the word pound also refers to the British currency sign £. In American English, however, telephone instructions may refer to # as the pound key. The context usually tells you whether “pound sign” means the number sign or the currency symbol.
Common names for # include:
| Name | Typical Context |
| Number sign | Numbered items and labels |
| Hash | Computing and technology |
| Pound sign | American English usage |
| Pound key | Telephone keypad |
| Hashtag | Social media |
| Crosshatch | Typography and general description |
| Octothorpe | Informal historical name |
Cambridge Dictionary defines the number sign as the symbol # and notes that it is called hash in UK English.
Copy and paste the Number Sign Symbol
If you need the symbol number for a document, message, username, heading, label, or social media post, you can copy it directly here:
#
The easiest method is to highlight the number sign symbol, copy it, and paste it where needed. This works on most websites, documents, messaging applications, and social platforms without requiring a special font or software setting.
The character is part of the standard Basic Latin Unicode block, making it widely supported across modern devices. Unicode data identifies the number sign as U+0023, and the character also has the decimal value 35.
Technical Information
The symbol number (#) is technically known as NUMBER SIGN in Unicode. Its code point is U+0023, and it belongs to the Basic Latin block. It was also part of earlier character systems, including ASCII, which helps explain its broad availability on keyboards and computers.
Key technical facts
| Property | Value |
| Symbol | # |
| Unicode Name | Number Sign |
| Unicode | U+0023 |
| Decimal Value | 35 |
| Unicode Block | Basic Latin |
| Common Synonyms | Hash, pound sign |
| HTML Entity | # |
| HTML Numeric Code | # |
| Common Alt Code | Alt + 35 |
The Unicode Consortium also notes that classification can depend on context: # may be treated as punctuation in general text but function as a symbol in specific uses.
Copy & Paste Codes
The symbol number can appear in different technical formats depending on where you use it. Web developers, programmers, and content creators may need the HTML, Unicode, CSS, or URL-encoded version instead of the visible # character.
| Format | Code |
| Symbol | # |
| Unicode | U+0023 |
| Decimal HTML | # |
| Named HTML Entity | # |
| CSS | \0023 |
| JavaScript | \u0023 |
| URL Encoding | %23 |
| ASCII Decimal | 35 |
One important detail is URL encoding. Because # has a special role in web addresses, it may be represented as %23 when the character itself needs to be transmitted as data rather than interpreted as a URL fragment marker.
Fonts Supporting Number Sign
The symbol number (#) is one of the most widely supported characters because it belongs to the standard Basic Latin character set. Most common system fonts can display the number sign symbol without requiring a special symbol font.
You may see small visual differences between fonts. Some designs use slightly thicker strokes, while others create a more open or narrow appearance. These differences are typographic variations and normally do not change the character’s meaning or Unicode identity.
For ordinary writing, the number sign should display correctly in common fonts used by Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone, browsers, office software, and websites. If the symbol appears incorrectly, the issue is usually related to font rendering or character encoding rather than the symbol itself.
The symbol number is simple to type, easy to copy, and useful across writing, numbering, technology, and digital communication. Whether you call it the number sign, hash, pound key, or hashtag, its meaning always depends on the context in which it appears.
Most importantly, do not confuse # with №, £, or ♯. They may look related or share similar names, but they are different characters with different meanings. Once you understand that distinction, using the symbol number correctly becomes much easier.
Conclusion
The symbol number (#) is a small character with several important meanings. It is commonly used as a number sign before a numeral, but it can also be called a hash, pound sign, pound key, or hashtag, depending on the context. This is why understanding where and how the symbol appears is essential.
Whether you need to type the symbol number on a keyboard, copy and paste #, understand its Unicode value, or tell the difference between #, №, £, and ♯, the key is knowing that these characters are not interchangeable. Once you understand their individual meanings, using the correct symbol becomes much easier and more accurate.
FAQs
What is the symbol number?
The most common symbol number is #, called the number sign. It is often used before a numeral to mean “number,” such as #1 for “number one.”
Is # the number symbol?
Yes. In Unicode, # is officially named the NUMBER SIGN and has the code point U+0023.
What is the difference between # and №?
# is the number sign, while № is the numero sign, a separate typographic character used as an abbreviation for the word “number.”
Why is # called a pound sign?
In American English, # is often called the pound sign or pound key, especially on telephone keypads. This should not be confused with the British pound currency symbol £.
What is the Unicode for the number sign?
The Unicode value of the number sign is U+0023. Its decimal character value is 35.
How do I type the number sign on a keyboard?
On a standard US keyboard, press Shift + 3 to type #.
Is a hashtag the same as the number sign?
The hashtag uses the same character, #, but the meaning changes when the symbol appears before a word or phrase, usually to create a searchable social media tag.
What is the symbol number copy and paste?
You can copy the number symbol directly here: #.
I’m the creator of SquareRootSymbolz.com, where I publish easy-to-understand guides on symbols, Unicode characters, Alt codes, keyboard shortcuts, and copy-and-paste text symbols. My goal is to provide accurate, well-researched, and user-friendly content that helps readers quickly find the information they need.
