How to Type the Approximately Equal To Symbol (≈) on Keyboard (Windows & Mac)

The approximately equal to symbol (≈) means “about” or “close to, but not exactly equal.”
People also call it the squiggly equals sign or almost equal to sign.

You’ll see ≈ in math, science, engineering, and everyday writing when you want to show an estimate.

Examples:

• 3.14 ≈ π
• 50 ≈ “about 50”

1-Minute Answer (fastest ways to type this symbol)

Windows (fastest)

• Alt code: Hold Alt and type 247 on the numeric keypad → ≈
  (If Alt+247 gives you ÷ instead, use the Word method below or Win + .)
• Windows symbol panel: Press Win + . (or Win + ;) → Symbols → Math → choose ≈
• Copy/paste: Copy ≈ from this page → paste with Ctrl + V

Mac (fastest)

• Keyboard shortcut: Press Option + X → ≈
• Character Viewer: Press Control + Command + Space → search approx → insert ≈

Word / Excel / PowerPoint (fastest)

• Insert → Symbol (works in all three apps)
• Word bonus (super fast): Type 2248, then press Alt + X → ≈

Google Docs + Google Sheets (fastest)

• Google Docs: Insert → Special characters → search almost equal → insert ≈
• Google Sheets: easiest is copy/paste (Sheets doesn’t have the same picker as Docs)

iPhone + Android (fastest)

• Best option: copy & paste ≈
• Optional: create a text shortcut like “approx” → “≈”

Chromebook (short)

• Best option: copy & paste
• Optional Unicode input (if supported): Ctrl + Shift + U, type 2248, press Enter

You can also copy this symbol from the tool below and paste it anywhere.