How to Type the Not Equal To Symbol (≠) on Keyboard

The not equal to symbol ≠ means “is not equal to.” You’ll see it in math, schoolwork, equations, and documents.

Important (especially for spreadsheets): in Excel and Google Sheets formulas, “not equal to” is written as <> (not ≠). The ≠ symbol is mainly for display (text in cells, worksheets, reports).

Table of Contents

1-Minute Answer (fastest ways)

Windows (fast + works everywhere): Use Character Map to copy ≠, then paste.
Windows (Office Word only): Hold Alt and type 8800 on the numeric keypad → ≠
(Works in Word only. Not reliable in every Windows app.)
Mac (fastest): Press Option + = → ≠
Word (fastest on Windows): Type 2260 then press Alt + X → ≠
Google Docs: Insert → Special characters → search not equal → click ≠
iPhone / Android: If you can’t find it quickly, copy/paste ≠ (fastest)
Excel: In formulas use <> (example: =A1<>B1). Use ≠ only for display.

Quick Reference

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