Symbol for balance
The most universal symbol for balance is the weighing scales ⚖️. In ancient Eastern philosophy, the yin yang ☯️ expresses dynamic harmony between opposite forces, while Western astrology features the constellation Libra ♎, and the Chinese characters 平衡 represent physical and mental equilibrium.
Click any symbol to copy it. 6 symbols
Scales and justice signs
2Philosophical harmony and astrology
2Balance in Chinese and Japanese (平衡)
2The scales of justice ⚖️
The beam balance has represented fairness and truth for over four millennia. In the Egyptian Book of the Dead, Anubis weighs the heart of the deceased against the feather of Maat, the goddess of truth and cosmic order. In Greco-Roman civic life, Themis and Justitia (Lady Justice) held aloft the scales to demonstrate that law must weigh evidence without fear, bias, or favour.
Today the balance scale ⚖ remains the pre-eminent logo of courts, legal institutions, and philosophical moderation. Find technical Unicode values, keyboard codes, and copying options on our dedicated scales symbol page.
The Daoist yin yang ☯️: dynamic harmony
Originating in classical Chinese thought, the taijitu or yin yang symbol illustrates that balance is not a rigid standstill, but a perpetual, fluid interplay between complementary forces. Dark, receptive, cool yin and bright, active, warm yang each contain the seed of the other, visually rendered by the contrasting dot within each curved droplet.
Unlike Western dualism that pits good against evil, Daoism views balance as knowing when to yield and when to act. You can read more about its historical development on our yin yang symbol page.
The astrological scales ♎ (Libra)
Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac and the only constellation represented by an inanimate object rather than an animal or mythical hero. Its glyph ♎ depicts the beam of a balancing scale, or the sun setting on the horizon during the autumn equinox—the time of year when day and night reach equal duration. Learn how to copy and type astrological marks on our Libra symbol page.
Equilibrium in East Asian thought (平衡)
In Chinese and Japanese, balance is written as 平衡 (*pínghéng* / *heikō*). 平 denotes calm, levelness, and peace, while 衡 refers to the transverse beam of a weighing scale. Cultivating inner equilibrium is central to Confucian and Buddhist mindfulness. Balance forms the foundation of serenity; read more on our symbols for peace page and discover how discernment guides decision-making on our symbols for wisdom page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the universal symbol for balance?
The two-pan weighing scale ⚖️ is the universal symbol for balance, objective justice, and legal equality worldwide.
Why does yin yang ☯️ represent balance?
The yin yang (taijitu) symbolises dynamic equilibrium: complementary opposing forces (light and dark, active and receptive) that harmonise rather than conflict.
What does the astrological sign ♎ mean?
♎ is Libra, the celestial balance. It represents symmetry, partnership, and fairness, matching the autumn equinox when day and night are equal.
What does the phrase 平衡 mean?
平衡 (pínghéng in Chinese, heikō in Japanese) literally means level balance beam, expressing emotional stability, equality, and physical equilibrium.