Apostrophe vs. Prime Symbol
An apostrophe and a prime mark are different Unicode characters with different functions. Apostrophes belong to language punctuation, while the prime symbol is used in technical notation such as feet, minutes, or mathematical derivatives depending on context.
Use an apostrophe for language punctuation such as contractions and possessives; use the prime symbol when the technical notation specifically requires a prime mark.
Key details
Important caveats
Accessibility Boundary
Preserve the intended character in technical content because visually similar punctuation can carry different semantic meaning.
Further guidance
Character Difference
Unicode distinguishes APOSTROPHE (U+0027) from PRIME (U+2032).
Use
Use apostrophe conventions for language punctuation; use prime only in notation systems that define it.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Basic Latin — Unicode Names List (opens in a new tab)Unicode Consortium · Unicode character identities for quotation mark, apostrophe, ampersand, solidus, and vertical line
- General Punctuation — Unicode Names List (opens in a new tab)Unicode Consortium · Unicode identities for directional quotation marks and related punctuation characters