Approximately-Equal Symbol (≈)
To type the approximately-equal symbol (≈): press ⌥X (Option+X) on a Mac, or hold Alt and type 247 on the numeric keypad on Windows. Use it for estimates like π ≈ 3.14.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approx-equal ≈ | ⌥X | Alt+247 | |
| ≈ (copy) | ≈ | ≈ |
The approximately-equal symbol on Mac vs Windows
The approximately-equal symbol (≈). On a Mac press ⌥X. On Windows, hold Alt and type 247 on the numeric keypad (NumLock on), then release. No number pad? Copy the ≈ above, or use the Windows emoji panel Win+..
Where you use ≈
Use ≈ for approximations and rounding: π ≈ 3.14, √2 ≈ 1.41, or $19.99 ≈ $20. It reads as "is approximately equal to" and signals the value isn't exact.
FAQ
What is the approximately-equal symbol shortcut?
On a Mac press ⌥X. On Windows hold Alt and type 247 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
How do I type ≈ without a number pad?
Copy the ≈ above, or on Windows press Win+. for the emoji panel and search "approx". On Mac ⌥X works on any keyboard.