Therefore sign

Three dots in an upward-pointing triangle, introducing a conclusion.

Also known as: Three dots symbol, Conclusion sign, Triangle of dots

MathematicalScientificKeyboard & punctuationStandard profile

Meanings

The therefore sign marks the conclusion of a logical or mathematical argument. Its mirror image, three dots pointing down, means 'because'.

Common modern usageVerified fact
Introduces the conclusion of an argument or proof, and is read aloud as 'therefore'.
Contexts: Mathematics
Common modern usageVerified fact
Has a counterpart with the dots inverted (∵) meaning 'because', which introduces a premise rather than a conclusion.
Contexts: Mathematics

Three dots arranged as a triangle with one dot above and two below.

IdentityHigh confidence: High confidence because the identity is defined by a current official standard.
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, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Visual matchHigh confidence: High confidence because the visual match is defined by a current official standard.

Approximation
Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-07-30
Tertiary reference. Used for widely-agreed identity and origin summary, not for contested detail or exact dates.
Unicode Code Chart: Mathematical Operators (U+2200–U+22FF)
The Unicode Consortium · retrieved 2026-07-30
Authoritative for the character's code point, name and block only. Unicode assigns identity; it does not define what a symbol means in use.

Last reviewed 2026-07-30