Symbol Hub

Approximately Equal Sign

The approximately-equal sign (≈) means “almost equal to”, used to show an approximate or rounded value.

Also known as: almost equal to, approximately symbol, approx sign, squiggly equal sign.

Codes

Symbol
UnicodeU+2248
HTML entity (named)≈
HTML entity (decimal)≈
HTML entity (hex)≈
CSS\2248
LaTeX\approx
Windows Alt codeAlt + 8776

How to type (Approximately Equal Sign)

WindowsAlt + 8776

Hold Alt and type 8776 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.

Mac⌥ + X

Press Option + X.

Microsoft Word2248, Alt + X

Type 2248, then press Alt + X to convert it to ≈.

Google Docs

Insert → Special characters, then search “almost equal” or “approximately”.

LaTeX\approx

Use \approx in math mode.

Usage

  • ≈ means “approximately equal to”, e.g. π ≈ 3.14159.
  • It marks a rounded value: 2⁄3 ≈ 0.667.
  • In physics and engineering, ≈ is written after estimating or simplifying a quantity.

Related symbols