The Ultimate Guide to the Right Arrow Symbol (→)
The right arrow symbol (→) is a versatile typographical symbol used across mathematics, computing, user interfaces, and everyday communication. It indicates direction, implies logical relationships, shows progression, and serves as a visual cue in navigation systems. This essential symbol appears in everything from mathematical proofs to website menus.
Key Facts About the Right Arrow Symbol
- Unicode: U+2192 RIGHTWARDS ARROW :cite[1]:cite[8]
- HTML Entity: → or → :cite[8]
- LaTeX: \to or \rightarrow :cite[1]
- First Used: In mathematical notation in the early 20th century :cite[10]
What is the Right Arrow Symbol (→)?
The right arrow symbol (→) is a graphical symbol used to point or indicate direction toward the right. It consists of a line segment with a triangular arrowhead at one end. In Unicode, there are over 600 arrow symbols with various styles and meanings :cite[2]:cite[7].
The right arrow is most commonly used for:
- Mathematics: Implication, limits, functions :cite[1]:cite[5]
- Programming: Assignment operators, lambda expressions
- User Interfaces: Navigation, forward movement, next actions
- Chemistry: Chemical reactions proceeding in one direction :cite[7]
- Everyday Communication: Direction indicators, pointers
How to Type the Right Arrow Symbol (→) on Different Devices
Windows
- Alt Code: Alt + 26 (numeric keypad) :cite[6]
- Character Map: Search "Character Map" and find →
- Word: Type 2192 then press Alt + X
Mac
- Character Viewer: Press Control + Command + Space
- Search for "right arrow" in the viewer
- Copy from Character Viewer
Mobile
- iPhone/iPad: Use emoji keyboard (➡️) :cite[4]
- Android: Use symbols keyboard or emoji keyboard
- Copy and paste from this page
Right Arrow on Specific Platforms
HTML & Web
Use →, →, or → :cite[8]
LaTeX
Use \to for implication or \rightarrow for general right arrow :cite[1]
Programming
In JavaScript: \u2192, Python: \u2192, Java: \u2192
Emoji
Unicode: U+27A1 + U+FE0F, represents direction, progress, or continuation :cite[4]
Quick Reference Guide: Right Arrow Symbol (→) Codes
| Platform/Format | Code/Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Unicode | U+2192 | Standard rightwards arrow :cite[1]:cite[8] |
| HTML Entity | → or → | Web development :cite[8] |
| LaTeX | \to or \rightarrow | Mathematical documents :cite[1] |
| Windows Alt Code | Alt + 26 | Numeric keypad required :cite[6] |
| CSS | \2192 | Style sheets |
| JavaScript | \u2192 | String literals |
| Right Arrow Emoji | U+27A1 U+FE0F | Colored arrow symbol :cite[4] |
Common Uses of the Right Arrow Symbol
Mathematics
Used for limits: lim x→0, implication: A → B means "if A then B" :cite[1]:cite[5], and function mapping.
Programming
In languages like Haskell for function types, in comments to show assignment or transformation, and in documentation.
User Interfaces
Indicates forward navigation, next page, continue actions, or swipe directions in mobile apps and websites.
Chemistry
Represents chemical reactions proceeding in one direction, as in: A + B → C :cite[7]
Right Arrow in Mathematics
In mathematical notation, the right arrow has several specific meanings :cite[1]:cite[5]:cite[7]:
Mathematical Meanings
- Implication: P → Q means "if P then Q" :cite[5]
- Limits: x → a means "x approaches a" :cite[1]
- Function Mapping: f: X → Y means "function f from X to Y"
- Convergence: xₙ → x means "sequence xₙ converges to x"
- Material Conditional: In logic, represents conditional statements :cite[10]
Right Arrow Variations and Styles
Unicode contains numerous right arrow variations :cite[2]:cite[7]:cite[8]:
| Symbol | Unicode | Name | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| → | U+2192 | Rightwards Arrow | General purpose |
| ⇒ | U+21D2 | Rightwards Double Arrow | Logical implication |
| ⇨ | U+21E8 | Rightwards White Arrow | UI elements |
| ➡️ | U+27A1 | Right Arrow Emoji | Emoji messaging :cite[4] |
| ⇀ | U+21C0 | Rightwards Harpoon | Vector notation |
| ↠ | U+21A0 | Rightwards Two Headed Arrow | Surjective functions |