Colon
Block: Basic Latin
- Symbol
- :
- Unicode
U+003A- Unicode name
- COLON
- Block
- Basic Latin
- Script
- Common
- Category
- Punctuation, Other
- Type
- Punctuation character
Colon (:) is encoded as U+003A and has the formal Unicode name COLON. Unicode classifies it as Punctuation, Other in the Basic Latin block. The colon is a punctuation mark used in writing and technical notation. Separately encoded named neighbors include ： Fullwidth Colon (U+FF1A); those records should be compared by name and code point rather than merged because their shapes or terminology are related.
Typography Uses the Character, Not Just the Shape
: is Colon (U+003A), classified by Unicode as Punctuation, Other. In digital typography, that encoded identity is separate from the font drawing: a typeface can change width, stroke, or placement without turning the character into another code point.
This matters when punctuation, currency, or measurement marks have close visual neighbors. Preserve the intended character first; language- or style-guide spacing rules can then be applied without silently substituting a different mark.
Looking for a different mark? Try what is : called? and identify it from the character, Unicode value, or appearance.
Where You Encounter Colon
The colon is a punctuation mark used in writing and technical notation.
Do Not Collapse Colon Into Nearby Named Variants
Unicode stores : as U+003A, while nearby records include ： Fullwidth Colon (U+FF1A). These are separate encoded identities, not alternate font drawings of one character.
The comparison is useful because a shared word in the name, a mirrored direction, or a similar outline can make two symbols appear interchangeable. When the distinction matters, compare the complete Unicode name and code point before replacing one record with another.
Encoding : in HTML and Source Text
U+003A = decimal 58 = HTML : / :. A Unicode escape-style form is u003A. Its UTF-8 bytes are 3A.
Use these identifiers in markup, source code, exports, or character diagnostics when the glyph alone is not enough.
Why : Is Not the Same as Nearby Look-Alikes
This character is linked with nearby or confusable records including ： Fullwidth Colon (U+FF1A), ∶ Ratio (U+2236), and ꞉ Modifier Letter Colon (U+A789). The relationship is useful for identification, but it does not make those characters interchangeable.
Fonts can reduce or exaggerate visual differences, so use each character's Unicode value and name when the distinction matters. Replacing one code point with another can change meaning, search behavior, parsing, sorting, or typography even when the glyphs appear close on screen.