The circle sign symbol is one of the oldest shapes people have drawn. It shows up in ancient art, road signs, math formulas, gender icons, phone screens and text messages. It looks simple, yet one small round shape can mean zero, unity, danger, permission, or a female.
This guide covers what each circle sign symbol means, where it is used, and how to type it. You can copy the symbols directly from the lists below. You will also find steps for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, Word and LaTeX, plus fixes for the circle with a plus sign that sometimes appears on a phone.
Quick Copy and Paste: Circle Sign Symbol List
Click and drag over any symbol below, then copy it with Ctrl+C on Windows or Cmd+C on Mac.
Plain circles: ○ ● ◯ ⚪ ⚫ ⬤ ⭕ ◦ • ∘ ⚬ 〇
Double and target circles: ◎ ◉ ⊚ ⦾ ⦿ 🎯
Circles with signs inside: ⊕ ⊖ ⊗ ⊙ ⊘
Colored circle emojis: 🔴 🟠 🟡 🟢 🔵 🟣 🟤
Circles with letters and numbers: ① ② ③ ⓐ ⓑ Ⓐ ⓘ © ® ℗
Circle with a sign underneath: ♀ ♁
Read Also This Blog: Candle Symbol
What Does the Circle Sign Symbol Mean?
The circle has no beginning and no end. Because of that, most cultures link it with wholeness, cycles and something that never breaks. The exact meaning changes with the setting.
- Unity and completeness: Nothing is missing from a closed loop.
- Eternity and infinity: You can travel around a circle forever.
- The cycle of life: Seasons, the moon and birth and death all repeat.
- Zero or nothing: The digit 0 and the empty ring both point to “none.”
- Protection: A ring or a circle drawn around something marks a safe zone.
- The sun, the moon and the divine: Many faiths use a round form for the sky and for God.
- Focus: Circling something on a page means “look here.”
In Zen art, a hand drawn circle called an enso stands for enlightenment and the moment. In a wedding ring, it stands for a promise without an end. On a modern app screen, a circle usually just means “button.”
25+ Circle Sign Symbol Meanings at a Glance
| # | Symbol | Name | Common Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ○ | White Circle | Empty, unchecked, zero, an option not chosen |
| 2 | ● | Black Circle | Filled, selected, a bullet point, an active state |
| 3 | ◯ | Large Circle | A big empty ring used for emphasis |
| 4 | ⚪ | Medium White Circle | Neutral, blank, off |
| 5 | ⚫ | Medium Black Circle | Solid, final, dark |
| 6 | ⬤ | Black Large Circle | A heavy filled dot for strong emphasis |
| 7 | ⭕ | Heavy Large Circle | Correct, yes, a red ring of attention |
| 8 | ◦ | White Bullet | A small sub point in a list |
| 9 | • | Bullet | The standard list marker |
| 10 | ∘ | Ring Operator | Function composition in math |
| 11 | ⚬ | Medium Small White Circle | A light, tiny ring |
| 12 | 〇 | Ideographic Zero | The number zero in Japanese and Chinese text |
| 13 | ◎ | Bullseye | Target, goal, excellent |
| 14 | ◉ | Fisheye | A selected radio button |
| 15 | ⊚ | Circled Ring Operator | A ring inside a ring, math and logic |
| 16 | ⊕ | Circled Plus | Direct sum, XOR, addition, the earth in old symbols |
| 17 | ⊖ | Circled Minus | Subtraction, removal |
| 18 | ⊗ | Circled Times | Tensor product, multiplication |
| 19 | ⊙ | Circled Dot | Dot product, the sun in astronomy |
| 20 | ⊘ | Circled Division Slash | Not allowed, empty set relatives |
| 21 | ♀ | Female Sign | Female, the planet Venus |
| 22 | ♁ | Earth | The planet Earth |
| 23 | ⌀ | Diameter Sign | Diameter in engineering drawings |
| 24 | ° | Degree Sign | Temperature and angle |
| 25 | © | Copyright | Protected creative work |
| 26 | ® | Registered | A registered trademark |
| 27 | ⓘ | Circled i | Information |
| 28 | 🔴 | Red Circle | Stop, live, error, record |
| 29 | 🟢 | Green Circle | Go, online, success |
Circle Sign Symbol Text: How the Symbols Work in Text?
Most circle signs are Unicode characters. Unicode is the shared standard that lets a phone, a laptop and a website show the same symbol. Each character has a code point, and that code is what your device reads.
| Symbol | Unicode | HTML Entity | CSS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| ○ | U+25CB | ○ | \25CB |
| ● | U+25CF | ● | \25CF |
| ◯ | U+25EF | ◯ | \25EF |
| ⭕ | U+2B55 | ⭕ | \2B55 |
| ⊕ | U+2295 | ⊕ | \2295 |
| ⊗ | U+2297 | ⊗ | \2297 |
| ⊙ | U+2299 | ⊙ | \2299 |
| ° | U+00B0 | ° | \00B0 |
Web designers use the HTML entity or the CSS code when they want a symbol to show even if the font is missing. Writers and social media users usually just copy and paste the symbol.
One tip: some circle symbols look different across devices. The plain ones such as ○ and ● come from text fonts, while ⭕ and 🔴 are emoji and take on the style of your phone or app.
Circle Sign Symbol on Keyboard
There is no single circle key on a standard keyboard, but you have several options.
Windows Alt codes
Turn on Num Lock, hold Alt, and type the number on the numeric keypad.
| Symbol | Alt Code |
|---|---|
| • | Alt + 7 |
| ○ | Alt + 9 |
| ° | Alt + 248 or Alt + 0176 |
| © | Alt + 0169 |
| ® | Alt + 0174 |
Windows emoji panel
Press the Windows key and the period key together. Search for “circle” and click the one you want. This works for both emoji and many text symbols.
Character Map
Search “Character Map” in the Start menu. Pick a font, find the circle, click Select, then Copy.
Circle Sign Symbol on Mac
Macs give you a few quick methods.
- Press Option + 8 for the bullet •.
- Press Option + Shift + 8 for the degree sign °.
- Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer, then search “circle.”
- Use Edit, then Emoji and Symbols, from the menu bar in most apps.
The Character Viewer holds nearly every circle in Unicode, including ⊕, ◎ and ⬤.
Circle Sign Symbol on iPhone
The iPhone keyboard has only a few circles built in, but there are simple workarounds.
- Emoji keyboard: Tap the emoji key and choose ⚪, ⚫, 🔴 or 🔵.
- Bullet and degree: On the number keyboard, tap the symbols key to find •. Press and hold the 0 key to get °.
- Copy and paste: Copy ○ or ◎ from this page and paste it where needed.
- Text replacement: Go to Settings, General, Keyboard, Text Replacement. Save ○ as a shortcut like “cir” so you can type it in seconds.
Circle Sign Symbol on Android
Android keyboards vary by brand, but the method is nearly the same.
- Open the keyboard and tap the symbols key (usually ?123).
- Tap the second symbols page (often shown as =<).
- Look for • ○ ● and similar marks.
- For more, tap the emoji icon and pick a colored circle.
Gboard also lets you search emoji and symbols by typing “circle” in the search bar.
Circle With Plus Sign Symbol on Android
A circle with a plus sign on an Android phone can mean a few different things, depending on where you see it.
- Inside an app: It usually means “add.” Tapping it lets you add a contact, a photo, a story or a new item.
- In the status bar: On some brands it relates to a power saving or data saving mode. Long press the icon or check Settings to see which feature it belongs to.
- In the camera or gallery: It often adds a new item or opens more options.
If you simply want to type ⊕ on Android, copy it from the list above and paste it into your message.
How to Remove a Circle With a Plus Sign Symbol?
Since the icon has different sources, the fix depends on where it appears.
- On the phone status bar: Open Settings and check Battery, Data Saver or Notifications. Turn off the feature linked to the icon and it will disappear.
- In an app: The plus button is part of the app layout. You can usually hide it through the app’s settings, or simply avoid tapping it.
- In Word or Excel: A small plus in a circle can be a table handle. Click outside the table or press Escape to hide it.
- On a website: It may be a pop up or a chat button. Close it with the X, or block the pop up in your browser settings.
- If it looks like a virus warning: Do not tap it. Restart the device and clear the browser cache. Run a security scan if it keeps returning.
If you are not sure what the icon does, long press it or search your phone settings for the word “plus” or the feature name.
Circle Sign Symbol in Math
Circles carry a lot of meaning in mathematics. Here are the main uses.
- Circle itself: A set of points at an equal distance from a center. Circumference is 2πr and area is πr².
- Degree (°): Measures angles and temperature.
- Ring operator (∘): Shows function composition, as in f ∘ g.
- Circled plus (⊕): Direct sum in algebra and the XOR operation in logic and computing.
- Circled minus (⊖): Used for set difference in some fields.
- Circled times (⊗): Tensor product.
- Circled dot (⊙): Dot product or the sun in astronomy.
- Empty set (∅): A circle with a slash, meaning no elements.
- Diameter (⌀): A circle crossed by a line, used in technical drawings.
- Closed loop integral (∮): An integral around a closed path.
Circle Sign Symbol in Word
Microsoft Word gives you several ways to insert circles.
Method 1: Insert Symbol
- Click Insert, then Symbol, then More Symbols.
- Set the subset to Geometric Shapes.
- Choose your circle and click Insert.
Method 2: Alt plus X
- Type the code, for example 25CB.
- Press Alt + X right away. The code turns into ○.
Method 3: Draw a shape
- Go to Insert, then Shapes, then Oval.
- Hold Shift while you drag to make a perfect circle.
- Change the fill and outline under Shape Format.
Method 4: Circled characters
Word can place a ring around a letter or number using the Enclose Characters tool, or you can paste a ready made one like ⓐ or ①.
Circle Sign Symbol in LaTeX
LaTeX has commands for most circle symbols. Some need the amssymb or amsmath package.
| Symbol | LaTeX Command | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ∘ | \circ | Composition |
| ◯ | \bigcirc | Large circle |
| • | \bullet | Bullet |
| ⊕ | \oplus | Circled plus |
| ⊖ | \ominus | Circled minus |
| ⊗ | \otimes | Circled times |
| ⊙ | \odot | Circled dot |
| ⊘ | \oslash | Circled slash |
| ∅ | \emptyset or \varnothing | Empty set |
| ⊛ | \circledast | Needs amssymb |
| ⊚ | \circledcirc | Needs amssymb |
| Ⓢ | \circledS | Needs amssymb |
| ° | ^\circ | Degree in math mode |
To ring a letter in text mode, use \textcircled{a}. For big versions inside sums, use \bigoplus and \bigodot.
Circle With Plus Sign Symbol and Gender
The symbol most people mean here is ♀, a circle with a small cross underneath. It is the sign for female and also for the planet Venus. Its Unicode code is U+2640.
Its partner is ♂, a circle with an arrow pointing to the upper right. It stands for male and for Mars. Both come from old astronomy and alchemy. Today they appear on biology charts, medical forms, restroom signs and gender studies material.
The cross in ♀ looks like a plus sign, but it sits below the circle, not inside it. The circle with a plus inside (⊕) is a different symbol and has no gender meaning.
Circle With Plus Sign Symbol Underneath
A circle with a plus sign underneath is ♀, the female symbol. If the cross sits on top of the circle instead, it is ♁, the old symbol for Earth. Some people also call the circle with a cross inside (⊕) the earth symbol, because it looks like the globe with lines of latitude and longitude.
Minus Sign in Circle Sign Symbol
The circled minus is ⊖ (U+2296). You will see it in these places:
- Math and logic: Set difference or subtraction in advanced algebra.
- User interfaces: A red circle with a minus is a delete or remove button.
- Phones: A circle with a line through it can mean Do Not Disturb on Android.
- Road signs: A red circle with a white bar stands for “no entry.”
A Traffic Sign With a Red Circle: What Does It Mean?
A red circle on a road sign means a rule that you must not break. In many countries that follow the Vienna Convention on Road Signs, including most of Europe and many parts of Asia, round signs give orders and red borders signal a ban.
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red circle with a number | Maximum speed limit |
| Red circle with a horizontal white bar | No entry |
| Red circle with a diagonal slash | The pictured action is prohibited |
| Red circle with a “P” crossed out | No parking |
| Red circle with a car symbol | No vehicles |
| Blue circle with a white arrow | Compulsory direction |
In the United States, a red circle with a slash also means “not allowed,” as in “No U turn” or “No left turn.”
Safety Circle Sign Symbol
Workplaces and factories use color coded shapes so people can read a warning at a glance. The international standard ISO 7010 sets the rules.
| Shape and Color | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Red circle with a slash | Prohibition | No smoking, no open flame |
| Blue circle | Mandatory action | Wear eye protection, wear a helmet |
| Yellow triangle | Warning | Slippery floor, electric shock |
| Green square | Safe condition | Emergency exit, first aid |
| Red square | Fire equipment | Extinguisher location |
The circle stands for a command. When you see one, you are being told to do or avoid something.
Double Circle Sign Symbol
A double circle is a ring inside a ring. The most common versions are:
- ◎ Bullseye: A target or a top rating. In Japan and Korea it often means “excellent.”
- ◉ Fisheye: The selected state of a radio button.
- ⊚ Circled ring operator: Used in math and diagrams.
- ⦾ Circled white bullet: A technical symbol used in notation.
- ⦿ Circled bullet: A dot within a ring, used for emphasis in lists.
In finite state diagrams, a double circle marks the accepting state of a machine.
Large, Medium and Small Circle Sign Symbols
Circle symbols come in different sizes so designers can choose the right visual weight.
| Size | Symbols | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Large | ◯ ⬤ ⭕ | Headings, emphasis, checkmarks |
| Medium | ⚪ ⚫ ● ○ | Lists, status dots, bullets |
| Small | • ◦ ∘ ⚬ | Sub points, separators, math |
Large Circle Sign Symbol
Use ◯ or ⬤ when you want a strong shape. ⭕ is popular in Japanese style marking, where a red circle means “correct.”
Medium Circle Sign Symbol
⚪ and ⚫ are emoji sized and look clear on phones. They work well as on and off indicators.
Small Circle Sign Symbol
- and ◦ are bullets for lists. ⚬ and ∘ are thin and suit technical writing.
Filled Circle Sign Symbol
A filled circle such as ● or ⚫ usually means “selected,” “active,” “on” or “complete.” In a rating scale you will often see ●●●○○, where filled dots show the score. In a list, a filled circle is the classic bullet point. In music notation and rankings, filled and empty dots can show progress.
Black Circle Sign Symbol
The black circle has two common forms: ● (Black Circle, U+25CF) and ⚫ (Medium Black Circle, U+26AB). Designers use it for bullet points, status lights and printed markers. In some cultures black stands for mourning, and in others for power or elegance, so the meaning also depends on context.
White Circle Sign Symbol
The white circle appears as ○ (U+25CB) or ⚪ (U+26AA). It usually means empty, blank, off or unchecked. In forms it marks an unselected radio button. In games such as Go, white and black circles mark the two players’ stones.
Heavy Large Circle Sign Symbol
The heavy large circle is ⭕ (U+2B55). It is a thick red ring used as an emoji. In Japan it means “correct” or “yes,” while ❌ means wrong. In other places it often shows a highlighted item, a target or a warning ring.
List of 10 Different Circle Sign Symbols With Meanings
- ○ White Circle: empty, unselected or zero.
- ● Black Circle: filled, selected or a bullet.
- ◎ Bullseye: target, goal or the best rating.
- ⊕ Circled Plus: addition, XOR or the earth symbol.
- ⊖ Circled Minus: subtraction or removal.
- ♀ Female Sign: female and the planet Venus.
- ⭕ Heavy Large Circle: correct, yes or attention.
- 🔴 Red Circle: stop, live or error.
- ⌀ Diameter Sign: the width of a round part in engineering.
- © Copyright Circle: legal ownership of creative work.
Circle Sign Symbol in Culture and Design
Beyond text, the circle has deep roots in art, faith and branding.
- Ouroboros: A serpent eating its tail, meaning renewal.
- Yin and yang: A circle split into two halves that balance each other.
- Medicine wheel: A Native American symbol of life’s stages and directions.
- Mandala: A circular design used for meditation in Hindu and Buddhist practice.
- Halo: A ring of light around holy figures.
- Olympic rings: Five linked circles for the unity of continents.
Brands love the circle for the same reason. It feels friendly, complete and easy to remember. Logos from tech companies to car makers use it to signal trust and community.
Tips for Using Circle Symbols Properly
- Check font support. Some circles may show as empty boxes in older fonts.
- Add alt text on websites. Screen readers may skip or misread symbols, so give a text label.
- Do not overuse them. A few well placed circles help. A page packed with them looks messy.
- Match the meaning to the audience. A red ⭕ means “correct” in Japan but may look like a warning elsewhere.
- Use the right character. Do not swap a letter O or a zero for ○, because search engines and screen readers treat them as different characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the circle sign symbol?
It is a round shape, such as ○ or ●, used in text, math, design and signs. It usually stands for wholeness, zero or a selected state.
How do I type a circle symbol on my keyboard?
On Windows, hold Alt and press 9 on the numpad for ○, or 7 for •. On a Mac, press Option + 8 for •.
How do I copy and paste the circle symbol?
Highlight the symbol from the list above, press Ctrl+C (Cmd+C on Mac), then paste it with Ctrl+V (Cmd+V).
What does a circle with a plus sign mean?
It usually means “add” on apps and phones. In math, ⊕ stands for direct sum or XOR.
What is the circle with a plus underneath?
That is ♀, the female sign, which also stands for the planet Venus.
How do I remove a circle with a plus sign from my phone?
Find out which feature the icon belongs to, such as battery saver or data saver, and turn it off in Settings.
What does a minus sign in a circle mean?
⊖ means subtraction in math, while a red circle with a minus on a phone or app usually means remove or delete.
What does a red circle sign symbol on a traffic sign mean?
It means a ban or a limit, such as no entry, no parking or a maximum speed.
How do I insert a circle sign symbol in Word?
Go to Insert, Symbol, More Symbols, and choose Geometric Shapes. You can also type 25CB and press Alt + X.
How do I write a circle sign symbol in LaTeX?
Use \circ for ∘, \bigcirc for ◯, \oplus for ⊕ and \bullet for •.
What is the difference between ○ and ●?
○ is an empty circle that means unselected or zero. ● is a filled circle that means selected or active.
Which circle sign symbol means correct in Japan?
⭕ means correct or yes, while ❌ means incorrect.
What is the double circle sign symbol?
◎ is the bullseye, a ring inside a ring that stands for a target or an excellent rating.
Conclusion
The circle sign symbol is small, but it does a lot of work. It can mean unity, zero, a target, a female, a warning or a simple bullet point. Once you know the Unicode name and a shortcut for each one, you can use them correctly in a text message, a Word file, a math paper or a web page.
Bookmark this page and use the copy and paste lists whenever you need a fast circle. If a symbol shows as an empty box on your device, switch to a different font or use the emoji version instead.
