Greater-than Or Less-than Symbol
≷ means “greater than or less than,” often indicating “not equal.”
U+2277
The symbol ≷ is a compact math sign that combines “greater-than” and “less-than.” It’s commonly used to indicate that one value can be either higher or lower than another, but not equal.
Greater-than Or Less-than Symbol Meaning
≷ (GREATER-THAN OR LESS-THAN) is read as “greater-than or less-than.” In many mathematical contexts it functions like a “not equal to” style comparison idea—meaning two quantities are different, so one is greater and the other is less. It can also be used in logic or notation to show that a relationship may go in either direction, depending on the values. Because it conveys “either direction,” it’s useful wherever you want to avoid writing two separate comparisons. When typing or coding, you can copy the character directly or use its HTML/CSS/JavaScript escapes for reliable rendering.
Common uses
- •Denoting a comparison that is not equal (one value is greater or the other is less).
- •Expressing “different values” in equations, proofs, and number comparisons.
- •Labeling conditional branches in tutorials or documentation (e.g., “x ≷ y”).
- •Creating quick inequality summaries in spreadsheets or math notes.
- •Designing math-themed UI indicators where “either direction” comparisons are needed.
Examples
≷ Greater-than or less-than Symbol
- ≷a ≷ b means a and b are not the same.
- ≷If x ≷ 0, then x is either positive or negative.
- ≷We write m ≷ n to show m and n differ.
- ≷For i ≷ j, swap their roles in the algorithm.
- ≷The result is true when left ≷ right.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2277 | |
| HTML Entity | ≷ | |
| HTML Code | ≷ | |
| CSS | \2277 | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8823 | |
| Decimal | 8823 |
How to type Greater-than Or Less-than Symbol (≷)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8823 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 2277 then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 2277. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 2277, 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 “greater-than or less-than.” It’s typically used to indicate that one value is greater and the other is less (i.e., they are not equal).
Is ≷ the same as ≠ (not equal)?
They’re often used with the same intent: showing inequality (not equal). However, exact meaning can depend on the notation style in a specific document or course.
How do I copy the symbol ≷?
Select and copy the character “≷” from this page, or use the provided HTML/CSS/JavaScript escapes for consistent rendering in code.
How can I use ≷ in HTML or CSS?
You can use the HTML entity ≷ or the CSS escape \\2277 to insert the character reliably.