Less-than Or Approximate Symbol
⪅ denotes a value that is less than or approximately equal to a reference.
U+2A85
⪅ is a math symbol used when “less-than” is combined with an approximation idea. It’s handy in technical notes, drafts, and typesetting where exact equality isn’t intended. Use the copy options below to paste it into documents and code.
Less-than Or Approximate Symbol Meaning
⪅ (Unicode U+2A85) is commonly read as “less-than or approximate.” In mathematical writing, it indicates that one value is smaller than another, with the relationship expressed approximately rather than exactly. Depending on the context, it may convey an inequality with an estimated bound, a measurement comparison, or a heuristic threshold. Compared with a plain “less-than” sign, ⪅ signals uncertainty or approximation; compared with “less-than-or-equal,” it emphasizes that the relation is not exact. It’s most often used in formula annotations, engineering notes, and educational materials.
Common uses
- •Comparing measured quantities where the upper limit is approximate
- •Indicating estimated bounds in engineering or science notes
- •Annotating inequalities in homework, worksheets, and study guides
- •Writing legends or captions for graphs with approximate thresholds
- •Drafting technical documentation where exact values are not known
Examples
⪅ Less-than or Approximate
- ⪅x ⪅ 10 (approximately within 10)
- ⪅T ⪅ 300 K for the test case
- ⪅The error is ⪅ 0.05 after calibration
- ⪅y ⪅ 2.5 in the plotted model
- ⪅Speed v ⪅ 120 km/h under typical conditions
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2A85 | |
| HTML Entity | ⪅ | |
| HTML Code | ⪅ | |
| CSS | \2A85 | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 10885 | |
| Decimal | 10885 |
How to type Less-than Or Approximate Symbol (⪅)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 10885 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 2A85 then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 2A85. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 2a85, 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 “less-than or approximate,” indicating a less-than relationship expressed approximately rather than exactly.
How do I type ⪅ in HTML?
Use the HTML entity: ⪅.
What is the Unicode code point for ⪅?
The Unicode code point is U+2A85.
Can ⪅ be used like a normal “less-than” sign?
It’s similar, but ⪅ specifically communicates approximation. If you need strict inequality, use a standard less-than symbol instead.