Not-Equal Sign Shortcut (≠)
To type the not-equal sign (≠): press ⌥= (Option+equals) on a Mac, or hold Alt and type 8800 on the numeric keypad on Windows. Use it in math like 3 ≠ 4.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not-Equal Sign ≠ | ⌥= | Alt+8800 | |
| Not-Equal Sign (copy) | ≠ | ≠ |
The not-equal sign on Mac vs Windows
The not-equal sign (≠) means "is not equal to", as in 3 ≠ 4. On a Mac press ⌥= (Option+equals). On Windows, hold Alt and type 8800 on the numeric keypad, then release. No number pad? Copy the ≠ above, or in Microsoft Word type 2260 then press Alt+X.
When to use ≠
Use ≠ in readable math and logic. In spreadsheets and most programming languages, "not equal" is written as <> or != instead — for example =A1<>B1 in Excel.
FAQ
What is the not-equal sign shortcut?
On a Mac press ⌥= (Option+equals). On Windows hold Alt and type 8800 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
How do I type ≠ without a number pad?
Copy the ≠ from this page, or in Word type 2260 and press Alt+X. On Mac ⌥= works on any keyboard.
How do I write not-equal in Excel?
Excel uses the <> operator, for example =A1<>B1. The ≠ symbol is for text, not formulas.