The short answer: on a Mac, ≈ is Option + X, ≠ is Option + =, ≤ is Option + , (comma), and ≥ is Option + . (period). On Windows, type the hex code then press Alt + X in Word — 2248 (≈), 2260 (≠), 2264 (≤), 2265 (≥). On any device, just copy one below.
These four show up constantly in math, science, and spreadsheets. But unlike the degree (°) or bullet (•) symbols, they sit above the old Alt-code range, so there’s no simple Alt + 0NNN. Here’s the reliable way on every platform, plus how to tell them apart from look-alikes like ≅ and ~.
Quick reference
| Symbol | Name / when you use it | Mac | Windows (Word) | HTML | Unicode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≈ | Approximately equal to (rounding, estimates) | Option + X | 2248 then Alt + X | ≈ | U+2248 |
| ≠ | Not equal to (inequality) | Option + = | 2260 then Alt + X | ≠ | U+2260 |
| ≤ | Less than or equal to (ranges, limits) | Option + , | 2264 then Alt + X | ≤ | U+2264 |
| ≥ | Greater than or equal to (minimums, thresholds) | Option + . | 2265 then Alt + X | ≥ | U+2265 |
All four have clean Option shortcuts that work in nearly every Mac app:
Mac (the easy way)
- ≈ → Option + X
- ≠ → Option + =
- ≤ → Option + , (comma)
- ≥ → Option + . (period)
Windows
Because these live above the basic character range, the usual Alt + 0NNN codes don’t apply. Pick the method that fits the app you’re in.
In Microsoft Word (most reliable). Type the hex code, then press Alt + X and it converts on the spot: 2248 → ≈ · 2260 → ≠ · 2264 → ≤ · 2265 → ≥.
In any other Windows app (Chrome, Notepad, Slack, etc.). Alt + X only works in Word. Everywhere else, use one of these:
- Copy a symbol from the box above — always works.
- Emoji & symbol panel: press Win + . (period) or Win + ; (semicolon), click the symbols tab, and open the math category.
- Character Map: search “Character Map” in the Start menu, find the symbol, and copy it.
Legacy keypad codes (older apps only). Some older programs accept Alt + 247 (≈), Alt + 242 (≥), or Alt + 243 (≤) typed on the numeric keypad. These come from an old code page and are inconsistent across apps and keyboard locales, so treat them as a last resort — the Word method or copying is safer. (See our guide on Alt codes not working for why.)
Word and Google Docs (equation mode)
For proper mathematical writing, use the equation editor:
- Word: press Alt + = to start an equation, then type
\approx,\neq,\leq, or\geq— each converts automatically. - Google Docs: Insert → Special characters and search the name, or Insert → Equation and type the same
\commands.
Excel and Google Sheets
Two different jobs, and mixing them up is the number-one source of “why won’t it work”:
- In formulas, use the operators — not the pretty symbols:
<=,>=, and<>. Example:=IF(A1>=18,"OK","No"). - For display text, paste the symbol or use
=UNICHAR(8776)(≈),8804(≤),8805(≥),8800(≠). These are display-only and will not work as math operators.
Chromebook
ChromeOS has a built-in Unicode input:
- Click into a text field.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U, then release — a small underlined u appears.
- Type the hex code — 2248, 2260, 2264, or 2265 — then press Enter or Space.
This works in most fields (Google Docs is the exception — use Insert → Special characters there). If a particular app ignores it, just copy the symbol from the box above. (More: Chromebook symbols.)
Linux
Same idea via IBus: press Ctrl + Shift + U, type the hex (2248, 2260, 2264, 2265), then press Enter or Space. It works in most GTK apps — see typing symbols on Linux for the Compose-key alternative.
iPhone and iPad
These symbols aren’t on the default keyboard. Two options:
- Copy one from the box above.
- Set a Text Replacement so a short code expands into the symbol: Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement → +. Paste the symbol into Phrase, type a shortcut like
approxorneqinto Shortcut, and tap Save.
Android
Same approach:
- Copy the symbol, or
- Add it to your personal dictionary. In Gboard, open Settings → Dictionary → Personal dictionary, pick your language, and add the symbol with a shortcut word.
HTML, CSS, LaTeX, and JavaScript (for the web and coding)
- HTML entities:
≈(≈),≠(≠),≤(≤),≥(≥). Numeric works too, e.g.≈. - CSS (in a
contentproperty):\2248,\2260,\2264,\2265. - JavaScript / JSON strings:
\u2248,\u2260,\u2264,\u2265. - LaTeX (math mode):
\approx,\neq,\leq,\geq(see LaTeX math symbols).
Telling similar symbols apart
A few look-alikes trip people up:
| Symbol | Name | Meaning | Not the same as… |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≈ | Approximately equal | “about equal to” (U+2248) | ≅ or ~ |
| ≅ | Approximately / congruent | “congruent to” in geometry (U+2245) | ≈ |
| ~ | Tilde | “similar to”, or a keyboard tilde | ≈ |
| ≡ | Identical to | “always equal / defined as” (U+2261) | = |
If you want plain “about equal” in everyday text, ≈ is almost always the one you want.
Examples
x ≈ 3.14 · 0 ≤ x ≤ 10 · age ≥ 18 · a ≠ b · price ≈ £20
Troubleshooting
- Alt + 0NNN doesn’t make these. They’re above the standard Alt-code range. Use Word’s Alt + X (hex codes above), the emoji panel (Win + .), or copy them.
- Alt + X does nothing outside Word. That shortcut is Word-only — in other Windows apps, use the emoji panel, Character Map, or copy.
- Option + , gives nothing on my Mac. Check that your keyboard is set to a US layout (System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources).
- ≤ won’t work in my Excel formula. Formulas use
<=,>=, and<>— the symbols ≤ ≥ ≠ are for display text only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I type the approximately equal symbol (≈)?
On a Mac, press Option + X. On Windows, type 2248 and then press Alt + X in Microsoft Word, or simply copy and paste the ≈ symbol.
How do I type ≤ and ≥?
On a Mac:
≤ = Option + Comma (,)
≥ = Option + Period (.)
On Windows, type 2264 (for ≤) or 2265 (for ≥) and then press Alt + X in Microsoft Word. You can also copy and paste the symbols.
How do I type the not-equal symbol (≠)?
On a Mac, press Option + =. On Windows, type 2260 and then press Alt + X in Microsoft Word, or copy and paste the symbol.
Is there an Alt code for ≤?
There is no standard Alt + 0NNN code for ≤ because it falls outside the basic Alt-code range. Instead, use 2264 + Alt + X in Microsoft Word or copy and paste the symbol.
How do I type these symbols in Google Docs?
Use Insert → Special characters and search for the symbol by name. You can also use Insert → Equation and type commands such as:
\leq for ≤
\geq for ≥
\neq for ≠
\approx for ≈
How do I use ≤ in an Excel formula?
In Excel formulas, use the operators:
<= for less than or equal to
>= for greater than or equal to
<> for not equal to
The symbols ≤, ≥, and ≠ are for display purposes only and cannot be used as formula operators.
What is the difference between ≈ and ≅?
The approximately equal symbol (≈, Unicode U+2248) means “approximately” or “about equal to” and is commonly used for estimates.
The congruent to symbol (≅, Unicode U+2245) is primarily used in geometry and higher mathematics to indicate congruence or a specific mathematical relationship. For everyday expressions meaning “about equal,” use ≈.
Recap
Mac: ≈ Option + X, ≠ Option + =, ≤ Option + ,, ≥ Option + . · Windows: hex + Alt + X in Word, or the emoji panel / copy elsewhere · Chromebook/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + U + hex · Spreadsheet formulas: <=, >=, <>.
Written by Igor R. Tested on Windows 11, macOS, and in Microsoft 365. Last updated June 2026. These symbols are U+2248, U+2260, U+2264, and U+2265 in the Unicode Standard.