How to Sign "Plus"

To sign 'plus', hold up your non-dominant hand with the index finger pointing straight up and the palm facing outward. Then, take your dominant hand and point its index finger horizontally. Place the dominant index finger across the middle of the vertical non-dominant index finger to form the shape of a plus sign (+).

Examples Using "Plus" in a Sentence

1

Two plus two is four.

Sign 'two', then form the 'plus' sign by crossing your index fingers, followed by 'two' again, and finally the sign for 'four'.

2

She got an A plus on her test.

Fingerspell the letter 'A', then immediately form the 'plus' sign next to it to clearly indicate the high grade.

3

I need one plus one more.

Sign 'one', then use the 'plus' sign, and sign 'one' again to show the concept of addition or adding more.

How to Sign "Plus"
To sign 'plus', hold up your non-dominant hand with the index finger pointing straight up and the palm facing outward. Then, take your dominant hand and point its index finger horizontally. Place the dominant index finger across the middle of the vertical non-dominant index finger to form the shape of a plus sign (+).
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, as it visually represents the universal mathematical symbol for addition (+). By crossing your two index fingers, you are essentially drawing the plus symbol directly in the air.
Signing Tips
Make sure your index fingers are straight and clearly crossed at a 90-degree angle to make the plus shape obvious. Keep your other fingers tucked away neatly into a fist so they don't distract from the cross shape.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is crossing the fingers at a slanted angle, making it look like an 'X' instead of a '+'. Ensure your non-dominant finger is perfectly vertical and your dominant finger is perfectly horizontal.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Plus" in a Sentence
1

Two plus two is four.

Sign 'two', then form the 'plus' sign by crossing your index fingers, followed by 'two' again, and finally the sign for 'four'.

2

She got an A plus on her test.

Fingerspell the letter 'A', then immediately form the 'plus' sign next to it to clearly indicate the high grade.

3

I need one plus one more.

Sign 'one', then use the 'plus' sign, and sign 'one' again to show the concept of addition or adding more.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign only used for math?

While it is primarily used for mathematical addition, it can also be used in contexts like school grades (e.g., A+) or sometimes to mean 'positive' depending on the context of your sentence.

Does it matter which finger is vertical?

Yes, typically the non-dominant hand forms the stationary vertical line, and the dominant hand forms the horizontal line that crosses it. This setup feels much more natural and fluid for most signers.

How is this different from the sign for 'positive'?

The signs for 'plus' and 'positive' are often exactly the same, using the crossed index fingers. The specific meaning is understood based on the context of your conversation, such as discussing math versus a positive attitude.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!