How do I find the HTML entity for a specific symbol like an em dash or copyright sign?

Browse the alphabetical or numeric list on the FreeFormatter reference page; the entity name and numeric code are displayed alongside the character, so you can copy the exact syntax needed for your HTML code.

Can I use named entities instead of numeric codes in my HTML?

Yes, the reference includes both named entities (such as for a non-breaking space) and their numeric equivalents (like ), allowing you to choose the format that best fits your coding style or document requirements.

Will using HTML entities prevent characters from breaking my webpage layout?

Using the correct entity codes ensures that characters with reserved meanings in HTML—such as less-than ( ) signs—are displayed as intended without interfering with the page's structural markup.

Is the HTML Entities Reference updated to include the latest HTML5 entities?

The reference provides a comprehensive list of standard HTML entities, which generally aligns with widely adopted entity sets; however, for very new or niche entities, it is advisable to consult the official HTML specification.

Developer ToolsFree Tool

HTML Entities Reference

Provided byFreeFormatterfreeformatter.com

Complete list of HTML entities with their numeric codes, named entries, and the ASCII characters they represent.

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About this tool

What HTML Entities Reference does

HTML Entities Reference is a reference tool that catalogs the numeric codes, named entries, and corresponding ASCII characters used in HTML. It serves as a lookup guide for developers and web designers who need to represent special characters—such as ampersands, angle brackets, and quotation marks—within web content, ensuring they display correctly and do not break page structure. The resource lists both named entities (like &) and their numeric equivalents, providing the exact syntax required for embedding symbols that carry reserved meanings in HTML markup. The FreeFormatter version of this reference is organized for quick scanning, presenting entity names, numeric codes, and character equivalents in a clear, side-by-side format. While the page excerpt is thin, the site’s layout is designed to help users locate the correct entity syntax without navigating complex menus, distinguishing it from more cluttered reference sites that bury information behind excessive ads or dense tables.

Step by step

How to use the FreeFormatter HTML Entities Reference

1
Open the HTML Entities Reference page on FreeFormatter
2
Scroll or search the list to find the desired special character or symbol
3
Note the displayed named entity (e.g., &) or numeric code (e.g., &) for that character
4
Copy the entity code and paste it into your HTML source where the symbol should appear

Is it right for you

Best for

Web developers, designers, and content creators who need a quick, reliable reference to ensure special characters are coded correctly in HTML without breaking page layout or causing validation errors.

Limitations

No interactive conversion box for pasting custom text
Results are read-only reference data; no automated output generation
Page may contain standard site navigation and links unrelated to the tool's core function

Questions

HTML Entities Reference FAQ

How do I find the HTML entity for a specific symbol like an em dash or copyright sign?: Browse the alphabetical or numeric list on the FreeFormatter reference page; the entity name and numeric code are displayed alongside the character, so you can copy the exact syntax needed for your HTML code.
Can I use named entities instead of numeric codes in my HTML?: Yes, the reference includes both named entities (such as   for a non-breaking space) and their numeric equivalents (like  ), allowing you to choose the format that best fits your coding style or document requirements.
Will using HTML entities prevent characters from breaking my webpage layout?: Using the correct entity codes ensures that characters with reserved meanings in HTML—such as less-than (<) or greater-than (>) signs—are displayed as intended without interfering with the page's structural markup.
Is the HTML Entities Reference updated to include the latest HTML5 entities?: The reference provides a comprehensive list of standard HTML entities, which generally aligns with widely adopted entity sets; however, for very new or niche entities, it is advisable to consult the official HTML specification.

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