Approximately Equal To Symbol Copy and Paste (≈)
Almost equal to
Unicode U+2248 · HTML ≈ · Alt code Alt+247 · Mac Option+X
Tap any symbol to copy it. Each tap also adds it to the box above, so you can copy several together.
Codes for every symbol on this page (Unicode, HTML, Alt, Mac, Word)
| Symbol | Name | Unicode | HTML | Windows Alt code | Mac | MS Word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≈ | Almost equal to | U+2248 | ≈ | Alt+247 | Option+X | 2248 then Alt+X |
| ≃ | Asymptotically equal | U+2243 | ≃ | - | - | 2243 then Alt+X |
| ≅ | Congruent to | U+2245 | ≅ | - | - | 2245 then Alt+X |
| ∼ | Tilde operator | U+223C | ∼ | - | - | 223C then Alt+X |
| ~ | Tilde (about) | U+007E | ~ | Alt+126 | - | 007E then Alt+X |
| ≒ | Approximately equal (Japan) | U+2252 | ≒ | - | - | 2252 then Alt+X |
The approximately symbol is ≈, two wavy lines that mean "almost equal to". When you write π ≈ 3.14, you are saying that π is close to 3.14 but not exactly 3.14. People also call it the approx symbol, the approximate symbol or the nearly equal to symbol.
Copy ≈ from the box above, or tap the grid for the congruent symbol ≅, the tilde ~ and other look-alikes. Below you will learn when to use each one, how to type ≈ on Windows, Mac and phones, and how to round and estimate with it. More signs are on our maths symbols hub.
Meaning of the Approximately Symbol
Many numbers in maths and science cannot be written exactly, or are too long to be useful. So we round them and use ≈ to show that the value is close, not exact.
| Exact value | Approximate value |
|---|---|
| π | π ≈ 3.14 |
| √2 | √2 ≈ 1.414 |
| 22/7 | 22/7 ≈ 3.143 |
| 1 mile | 1 mile ≈ 1.61 km |
| 1 kg | 1 kg ≈ 2.2 pounds |
The almost equal to symbol is different from = . If you write π = 3.14 in an exam, some teachers will mark it as incorrect, because 3.14 is only a rounded value. Use ≈ whenever you have rounded.
Approximate Symbol on Keyboard
- Windows: with Num Lock on, hold Alt and type 247 on the number pad. This is from the old DOS table and works in most programs.
- Mac: Option+X.
- Microsoft Word: type
2248and press Alt+X. - Google Docs: Insert > Special characters, then search "almost equal".
- Excel: to show it in a cell, use
=UNICHAR(8776), Alt+247, or paste it from here. - Android and iPhone: some keyboards show ≈ when you long-press the = key. If yours does not, copy it from this page.
- HTML:
≈. LaTeX:\approx.
The other characters in the grid, except the plain tilde (Alt+126), have no standard Alt code. Copy them or use their Word codes from the info table.
Congruent Symbol ≅ and Other Look-Alikes
Several symbols look like ≈ but mean different things. Choosing the right one matters in geometry and higher maths.
| Symbol | Common name | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| ≈ | approximately equal | Rounded numbers, estimates, physics answers |
| ≅ | congruent to | Geometry: △ABC ≅ △PQR means the triangles have the same shape and size |
| ∼ | similar to (tilde operator) | Geometry: △ABC ∼ △DEF means the same shape, possibly different size |
| ~ | tilde | Informal "about": ~50 people; also a keyboard character |
| ≃ | asymptotically equal | Advanced maths and physics |
| ≒ | approximately equal (variant) | Mostly seen in Japanese texts |
So the symbol of congruent is ≅ (wavy line above an equals sign), not ≈. Indian geometry textbooks use the congruent symbol in maths chapters on triangles, with rules like SSS, SAS, ASA and RHS. Its Unicode name is "Approximately Equal To", which surprises many people, but in school it is read as "is congruent to". For the tilde key itself, see the tilde symbol page.
Rounding and Estimation Examples
Rounding. 4.87 rounded to one decimal place is 4.9, so 4.87 ≈ 4.9. And 2,486 rounded to the nearest hundred is 2,500, so 2,486 ≈ 2,500.
Estimating a product. To check 49 × 21 quickly, round both: 50 × 20 = 1,000. So 49 × 21 ≈ 1,000. The exact answer is 1,029, which is close.
Estimating a bill. Items cost ₹198, ₹302 and ₹99. Round to ₹200 + ₹300 + ₹100 = ₹600, so the total ≈ ₹600 (exact: ₹599).
Science. The acceleration due to gravity is written g ≈ 9.8 m/s². The exact value changes a little from place to place, so ≈ is the honest sign to use.
Once you have the estimate, you can compare it using the greater than and less than symbols, or use the plus minus symbol to give a range.
Frequently asked questions
What is the symbol for approximately?
The symbol for approximately is ≈, two wavy lines stacked on top of each other. It means the two sides are nearly but not exactly equal.
How do I type the approx symbol in keyboard shortcuts?
Use Alt+247 on the number pad on Windows, or Option+X on a Mac. In Word you can also type 2248 and press Alt+X.
What is the difference between ≈ and ≅?
≈ means approximately equal and is used with numbers. ≅ is the congruent symbol, used in geometry to show that two shapes are exactly the same size and shape.
Can I use ~ instead of ≈?
In casual writing, ~ is fine for "about", like ~20 minutes. In maths and exam answers, use ≈ for approximate values, because ~ can mean "similar to" in geometry.
Is π equal to 22/7?
No. 22/7 is a handy approximation, so π ≈ 22/7. The real value of π goes on forever without repeating.