Much Less-than Symbol
≪ is the Much Less-Than symbol used to show one value is far smaller than another.
U+226A
The symbol ≪ is commonly read as “much less than.” It’s useful in math writing, technical documents, and digital typography where you want a clear “far smaller” relationship. Copy it directly or use the provided Unicode and escape codes.
Much Less-than Symbol Meaning
The ≪ symbol (MUCH LESS-THAN, Unicode U+226A) represents a stronger form of the “less-than” relationship. Where < means one value is smaller than another, ≪ is typically used to indicate that the left side is much smaller than the right side—often implying a significant difference in magnitude. You’ll see it in inequality statements, limits/approximations, and explanations of scaling or dominance (e.g., “x is much less than y”). In plain text, it can also serve as a typographic way to emphasize “far less” in comparisons.
Common uses
- •Writing inequality statements that indicate a value is far smaller than another (e.g., x ≪ 1).
- •Documenting approximations and asymptotic reasoning in technical writing.
- •Labeling comparisons in math notes, worksheets, or presentations.
- •Using in code comments or formulas to clarify magnitude relationships.
- •Designing diagrams or infographic text that needs a typographic “much less than” marker.
Examples
≪ Much Less-Than Symbol (U+226A)
- ≪If x ≪ 1, then sin(x) ≈ x.
- ≪We assume A ≪ B in the limit.
- ≪When r is much smaller than R, r ≪ R.
- ≪The error term is negligible: ε ≪ 1.
- ≪For stable computation, require Δx ≪ 1.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+226A | |
| HTML Entity | ≪ | |
| HTML Code | ≪ | |
| CSS | \226A | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8810 | |
| Decimal | 8810 |
How to type Much Less-than Symbol (≪)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8810 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 226A then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 226A. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 226a, 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 Much Less-than symbol mean?
The ≪ symbol (MUCH LESS-THAN, Unicode U+226A) represents a stronger form of the “less-than” relationship. Where < means one value is smaller than another, ≪ is typically used to indicate that the left side is much smaller than the right side—often implying a significant difference in magnitude. You’ll see it in inequality statements, limits/approximations, and explanations of scaling or dominance (e.g., “x is much less than y”). In plain text, it can also serve as a typographic way to emphasize “far less” in comparisons.
What is the Unicode code point for ≪?
The symbol ≪ has Unicode code point U+226A.
Is ≪ the same as the normal “less-than” symbol (<)?
No. < means “less than,” while ≪ is typically read as “much less than,” indicating a stronger, much smaller relationship.
How do I copy ≪ as HTML?
You can use the HTML entity: ≪
How do I write ≪ in CSS or JavaScript?
CSS escape: \\226A. JavaScript (Unicode escape): \\u{226A}.