Colon Equals Symbol
≔ (colon equals) is a math symbol commonly used to define something as equal to an expression.
U+2254
The symbol “≔” is called colon equals. It’s mainly used in mathematical writing to express definitions and formal assignments. Use it when you want a clearer “is defined as” or “assigned to” meaning.
Colon Equals Symbol Meaning
“≔” is known as the colon equals symbol and is used to state that a value or expression is defined to be equal to something else. In many math and logic texts, it appears in definitions (e.g., “let x ≔ …”), emphasizing that the expression becomes the definition of a new object rather than an ordinary equality. You can also use it in pseudocode and specification-style writing to indicate assignment in a more formal way than “=”. When choosing between “=” and “≔”, use “≔” to signal definition/assignment intent, not just a numeric or algebraic equality statement.
Common uses
- •Mathematical definitions: “Let f(x) ≔ …”
- •Formal specification: writing “x ≔ value” for assignments
- •Algorithm pseudocode and steps: indicating an update in a formal style
- •Logic and reasoning documents: defining predicates or variables
- •Technical writing and diagrams: labeling “defined as” relationships
Examples
≔ Colon Equals
- ≔Let g(x) ≔ x^2 + 1.
- ≔We define S ≔ {1, 2, 3}.
- ≔Set n ≔ 10 for this iteration.
- ≔Let y ≔ (a + b) / 2.
- ≔In the specification, x ≔ x + 1.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2254 | |
| HTML Entity | ≔ | |
| HTML Code | ≔ | |
| CSS | \2254 | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8788 | |
| Decimal | 8788 |
How to type Colon Equals Symbol (≔)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8788 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 2254 then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 2254. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 2254, 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 the Colon Equals symbol mean?
“≔” is known as the colon equals symbol and is used to state that a value or expression is defined to be equal to something else. In many math and logic texts, it appears in definitions (e.g., “let x ≔ …”), emphasizing that the expression becomes the definition of a new object rather than an ordinary equality. You can also use it in pseudocode and specification-style writing to indicate assignment in a more formal way than “=”. When choosing between “=” and “≔”, use “≔” to signal definition/assignment intent, not just a numeric or algebraic equality statement.
What is the name of the “≔” symbol?
It’s commonly called “colon equals” (Unicode name: COLON EQUALS).
Is “≔” the same as the equals sign “=”?
Not exactly. “≔” usually signals definition or formal assignment (“is defined as” or “set to”), while “=” is typically used for general equality.
Where can I use “≔” in writing?
Common places are math definitions (“let x ≔ …”) and specification-style pseudocode to indicate a formal assignment.
How do I copy and paste “≔” reliably?
Copy the character directly from this page. For web or code entry, you can also use its Unicode forms: HTML entity “≔” and Unicode code point “U+2254”.