How to Type Approximately Equal Symbol (≈) on Any Device
Instant one-click copy, complete keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac, Microsoft Word Alt+X conversion, mobile keypad methods, and developer code entities.
Approximately Equal Symbol
One-click clipboard copy, complete keyboard shortcuts, and developer codes below.
Quick Reference Matrix
Instant shortcuts for every operating system and office application.
| Platform | Shortcut / Method | Action |
|---|---|---|
WinWindows | Alt + 247 | |
macOSMac | Option + X | |
WordMicrosoft Word | 2248, Alt+X (type code, press Alt+X) | |
DocsGoogle Docs | Insert → Special characters → search “approximately equal” | |
WebHTML Entity | ≈ | |
HexUnicode Codepoint | U+2248 | |
iOSiPhone & iPad | Not on the standard keyboard — copy it from this page | |
PhoneAndroid | Not on the standard keyboard — copy it from this page | |
LinuxLinux | Ctrl+Shift+U, 2248 |
How to Type Approximately Equal Symbol on Windows
Compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10, and earlier editions
Method 1: Numeric Keypad Alt Code
- Verify that Num Lock is enabled on your keyboard (a status light usually indicates this).
- Press and hold the Alt key (either left or right Alt).
- While holding Alt, type the code 247 on the separate numeric keypad on the right.
- Release the Alt key. The character ≈ will appear immediately.
Method 2: Windows Emoji & Symbol Panel
Press Windows + . (period) or Windows + ; (semicolon) to open the native Windows Symbol Palette. Select the Symbols tab (the omega icon Ω), then click ≈ to insert it into any application.
Method 3: On Laptops Without a Number Pad
If your laptop lacks a dedicated physical numeric keypad, turn on the virtual numeric keypad by pressing Fn + NumLk, or open the On-Screen Keyboard by typing osk in the Windows search bar. Alternatively, click the Copy ≈ button at the top of this guide.
How to Type Approximately Equal Symbol on Mac (macOS)
Tested on macOS Sequoia 15, Sonoma 14, and Ventura 13
Method 1: Direct Keyboard Shortcut
Hold Option + X simultaneously on your Mac keyboard. The symbol ≈ will be inserted immediately.
Method 2: macOS Character Viewer (Emoji & Symbols)
- Press Control + Command + Space in any text field to invoke the Character Viewer.
- Type "Approximately Equal Symbol" or the hex code
U+2248in the top search bar. - Double-click the ≈ symbol to insert it at your cursor position.
In Microsoft Word & Google Docs
Document formatting and special character tools
Microsoft Word: The Alt+X Hex Shortcut
Word supports instant hexadecimal Unicode conversion:
- Type the hexadecimal code
2248into your Word document. - Immediately press Alt + X without adding a space.
- Word will automatically convert
2248into ≈.
Google Docs: Special Characters Palette
In Google Docs, go to Insert → Special characters. In the search box on the right, type "Approximately Equal Symbol", or draw the symbol in the sketch box. Clicking the symbol inserts it into your document.
On iPhone, iPad & Android
Touchscreen keyboard tips and text replacement
iOS (iPhone & iPad)
Not on the standard keyboard — copy it from this page. For accented letters or numbers, press and hold the base key on your virtual keyboard until the flyout menu appears, then slide your thumb onto ≈.
Android (Gboard & Samsung Keyboard)
Not on the standard keyboard — copy it from this page. You can also add ≈ to your personal keyboard dictionary under Settings → System → Languages & input → Personal dictionary.
For Developers: HTML, CSS & Code Snippets
Unicode codepoints, entities, and programming escapes
≈≈content: "\2248";"\u{2248}""\u2248"U+2248About Approximately Equal Symbol (≈)
History, typographic usage standards, and Unicode block
The approximately equal sign (≈, U+2248) shows two values are close but not exactly equal, distinct from the exact equals sign (=). On Mac, Option+X types it directly.
In standard typography and document styling, symbols and accents should adhere to standard spacing guidelines. When typing numbers or equations, avoid confusing lookalike characters (such as confusing the letter "x" with the true multiplication operator "×", or using a degree symbol "°" in place of a superscript zero "⁰").
Official Unicode Reference:
Registered as ALMOST EQUAL TO at codepoint U+2248 within the Unicode Standard. Consult the official Unicode Mathematical Operators specification chart (PDF via unicode.org).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about typing and formatting Approximately Equal Symbol
What is the fastest way to copy Approximately Equal Symbol (≈)?
Use the copy button at the top of this page. It places ≈ on your clipboard so you can paste it anywhere with Ctrl + V on Windows or Cmd + V on Mac.
What is the Windows Alt code for ≈?
Hold Alt and type 247 on the numeric keypad with Num Lock on. The row of numbers above the letters will not work — it has to be the keypad.
How do I type ≈ on a Mac?
Press Option + X anywhere in macOS to produce ≈.
How do I type ≈ in Microsoft Word?
Type 2248, Alt+X in Word — enter the code, then press Alt + X and Word converts it into ≈.
Why does ≈ not appear when I press the keys?
The usual causes are Num Lock being off for Alt codes, a keyboard layout that does not match the shortcut you are using, or an app that intercepts the key combination. Try the copy button first to confirm the character itself displays correctly on your system.
Can I use ≈ inside a Word or Google Docs equation?
Yes. In Word, open Insert → Equation and type the symbol or paste ≈ directly into the equation field. In Google Docs, use Insert → Equation, or paste ≈ into ordinary text — it renders in any Unicode font.
Is Approximately Equal Symbol (≈) the same as the similar-looking ASCII character?
No. Approximately Equal Symbol is ALMOST EQUAL TO at U+2248, a distinct Unicode code point. ASCII lookalikes are different characters, so search, sorting and equation rendering all treat them differently. Use ≈ from this page when the mathematical meaning matters.
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Last verified Sep 9, 2026 by Dr. Julian Vance · Tested on Windows 11 24H2 & macOS 15.1 · Editorial Methodology