Infinity symbol

A sideways figure-eight (∞) denoting an unbounded quantity in mathematics, and used more broadly as a symbol of endlessness.

Also known as: Lemniscate, Sideways eight, Lazy eight

MathematicalEveryday & digitalSpiritual & interpretiveStandard profile

Meanings

Introduced into mathematics by John Wallis in 1655 to denote an infinite quantity, the lemniscate shape is now also widely used outside mathematics as a general symbol of endlessness, eternity and continuity.

Historically documentedVerified fact
Denotes a quantity without bound or end in mathematical notation, introduced by English mathematician John Wallis in De sectionibus conicis (1655).
1655 onward · Contexts: Mathematics
Common modern usageCommon usage
Used outside mathematics as a general symbol of endlessness, eternity or unconditional connection, particularly in jewellery and tattoos.
Contexts: Jewellery, Tattoo

Visual description

A single looping line crossing itself once in the middle, forming two joined loops like a figure eight on its side.

Symmetry: point
Orientation: orientation independent

Confidence

IdentityLow confidence: Low confidence because the identity is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Official meaningLow confidence: Low confidence because the official meaning is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Historical originLow confidence: Low confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far, but early or supporting evidence is limited.
Visual matchModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.

Sources

Infinity symbol
Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-07-26
Community-maintained encyclopedic source; used for uncontested attribution facts only (Wallis, 1655).

Last reviewed 2026-07-26

Part of

Mathematical and scientific notation
Mathematical notation

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Meanings

Historically documentedVerified fact

Denotes a quantity without bound or end in mathematical notation, introduced by English mathematician John Wallis in De sectionibus conicis (1655).

1655 onward · Contexts: Mathematics

Common modern usageCommon usage

Used outside mathematics as a general symbol of endlessness, eternity or unconditional connection, particularly in jewellery and tattoos.

Contexts: Jewellery, Tattoo

Confidence

IdentityLow confidence: Low confidence because the identity is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Official meaningLow confidence: Low confidence because the official meaning is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Historical originLow confidence: Low confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far, but early or supporting evidence is limited.
Visual matchModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.