Almost Equal To Symbol
≈ means “almost equal to,” indicating approximate equality rather than exact equality.
U+2248
The ≈ symbol (U+2248) is used to show that two values are close to each other. It’s common in math, science, and everyday estimates. This page helps you copy it and use the correct code forms.
Almost Equal To Symbol Meaning
The ≈ symbol, named “ALMOST EQUAL TO” (U+2248), indicates that two quantities are approximately equal. It’s not the same as an exact equality sign—rather, it suggests a best match within rounding, measurement tolerance, or estimation. For example, you might write “π ≈ 3.1416” to show that the decimal is an approximation. In text and design, ≈ also works as a clear visual cue for “about” or “roughly,” such as comparing sizes, times, or values where precision isn’t required. When writing formal equations, choose ≈ to communicate approximation explicitly.
Common uses
- •Indicating approximate values in measurements (e.g., “distance ≈ 5 km”)
- •Showing rounded constants or conversions (e.g., “1 inch ≈ 2.54 cm”)
- •Communicating estimations in calculations and summaries (e.g., “cost ≈ $120”)
- •Formatting comparisons where exact equality isn’t expected (e.g., “rate ≈ target”)
- •Designing math and data visuals where “about” must be visually distinct from “equals”
Examples
≈ Almost Equal To symbol (U+2248)
- ≈Temperature: 20°C ≈ 68°F
- ≈π ≈ 3.1416
- ≈The value is ≈ 1.00, after rounding
- ≈We expect ≈ 300 participants
- ≈Speed ≈ 50 km/h on average
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2248 | |
| HTML Entity | ≈ | |
| HTML Code | ≈ | |
| CSS | \2248 | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8776 | |
| Decimal | 8776 |
How to type Almost Equal To Symbol (≈)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8776 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 2248 then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 2248. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 2248, then press Enter or Space.
Anywhere
Copy ≈ with the button above and paste it wherever you need it — this works on every device and in every app, with no keyboard shortcut to remember.
FAQ
What does ≈ mean?
≈ means “almost equal to,” indicating approximate equality rather than exact equality.
Is ≈ the same as the equals sign (=)?
No. The equals sign indicates exact equality, while ≈ communicates that values are close or estimated.
What is the Unicode code point for ≈?
The Unicode code point is U+2248.
How do I use ≈ in HTML or CSS or JavaScript?
HTML entity: ≈. CSS escape: \\2248. JavaScript escape: \\u{2248}.