The almost equal sign ≈ has no Windows Alt code, so copy it or type 2248 then Alt+X in Word. On a Mac it is Option+X. It says two values are close enough for the purpose at hand, which is why it appears with rounded figures and estimates.
01 All shortcuts at a glance
| Platform | Shortcut | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows (any app) | Win+. or Win+; emoji/symbol picker, or Character Map (Win+R → charmap) |
|
| Mac | Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer, search "Almost Equal To" |
|
| Word / Outlook | Type 2248, then press Alt+X |
|
| Linux (IBus) | Ctrl+Shift+U, then 2248, then Enter |
|
| HTML / CSS | ≈ · \2248 (CSS) |
02 Step by step, per platform
A real, followable procedure for every platform, not a thin restatement of the shortcut.
Windows
- Open Character Map: Win+R, type charmap, press Enter.
- Search or scroll for Almost Equal To (U+2248).
- Select it, click Copy, then paste where you need it.
Mac
- Press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer.
- Type "Almost Equal To" in the search field.
- Double-click the result to insert it.
Microsoft Word
- Type 2248.
- Press Alt+X immediately after, it converts the hex code to ≈.
03 Characters in this set
04 Troubleshooting & confusables
| Looks like it | But it's actually | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| ≅ (U+2245) | Approximately equal to, used for congruence | In geometry for congruent shapes, and in some fields for isomorphism. |
| ~ (U+007E) | Tilde, the keyboard character | A quick informal approximation before a number, as in ~500. |
| ≊ (U+224A) | Almost equal or equal to | A rarer variant. Unless a field requires it, ≈ is the safer choice. |
05 FAQ
What is the Unicode code point for the almost equal sign?
It is U+2248, decimal 8776. There is no Windows Alt code for it.
How do I type it on a Mac?
Option+X on a US layout. On Windows, type 2248 and press Alt+X in Word, or copy the character.
What is the difference between ≈ and ≅?
The ≈ means numerically close, as in π ≈ 3.14. The ≅ has a specific structural meaning in geometry and algebra, standing for congruence or isomorphism rather than closeness of value.
When should I use ~ instead?
In informal writing before a rough figure, as in ~500 attendees. In a formal equation the two-wave ≈ is the correct relation symbol.
Are there spaces around it?
Yes. It is a relation symbol, so it takes the same spacing as an equals sign, as in x ≈ 3.14.