Loop limit symbol

The loop limit symbol is a rectangle with two corners cut off, used as a pair. The first, with its top corners clipped, opens a section that repeats; the second, with its bottom corners clipped, closes it. Everything between them runs again for each item or until a condition is met: "For each line on the order" … "Next line".

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Two ways to draw a loop

A flowchart can show repetition in two ways, and both are correct:

With a decision: after the repeated steps, a diamond asks "More items?" and the Yes arrow goes back up. Every reader understands it.
With loop limits: an opening symbol ("For each invoice") and a closing one ("Next invoice") bracket the steps. No backward arrow is needed.

When the loop limit pair is better

Loop limits keep a chart tidy when the repeated part is long, or when loops sit inside other loops, where backward arrows would cross each other. Write the repetition rule in the opening symbol ("For each new hire", "Until the queue is empty") and give the closing symbol a matching name so the reader can pair them.

For a short repeat in a business process, the decision loop is usually clearer, because more people recognize it.

Loops in ProcessFlowchart.app

Set one row's Shape column to Loop start and a later row's to Loop end, and the steps between them are the repeated section. For a decision loop, give the diamond a Line To that points back at an earlier step number, and the editor routes the backward arrow for you.

Every shape in the editor and what it means (QueryChart docs)

The loop limit flowchart symbol — The loop limit symbol. Open the image at full size.

Frequently asked questions

How do you show a loop in a flowchart?

Either with a decision whose arrow points back to an earlier step ("More items? Yes" goes back), or with a pair of loop limit symbols around the steps that repeat.

What does the loop limit symbol look like?

A rectangle with two corners cut off. The opening symbol has its top corners clipped, the closing one its bottom corners, so together they bracket the repeated steps.

Is there a loop symbol in standard flowcharts?

Yes, the loop limit pair is part of ISO 5807. Many charts still show loops with a decision and a backward arrow, which is equally correct.

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