Approximately Equal Symbol — Copy Paste ≈ ≅ ≃ ≐

The approximately equal symbol (≈) is one of the most commonly used mathematical symbols outside of the basic arithmetic operators. It shows up in textbooks, scientific papers, engineering calculations, and everyday conversation when you need to express that two values are close but not exactly the same. On this page, you'll find every variant of the approximately equal sign ready to copy, along with clear explanations of when to use each one.

Copy and Paste Approximately Equal Symbols

Click any symbol to copy it. Each variant has a distinct mathematical meaning.

What Does Approximately Equal Mean?

The approximately equal symbol indicates that two values are very close but not identical. For example, π ≈ 3.14159 means pi is approximately equal to 3.14159. It's used when exact precision isn't necessary or when rounding has been applied. Scientists, engineers, and statisticians use it constantly to express estimates, rounded values, and measured quantities.

Each Variant Explained

While they look similar, each approximately equal variant has a specific mathematical purpose:

• ≈ (U+2248) — Almost Equal To: The most common variant. Used for general approximations and rounding. If you're writing "approximately" in math, this is the one you want. Example: √2 ≈ 1.414.
• ≅ (U+2245) — Approximately Equal To / Congruent: Used in geometry for congruence (two shapes with identical form) and in algebra for isomorphism. Also appears in number theory.
• ≃ (U+2243) — Asymptotically Equal To: Used in calculus and analysis when comparing the growth rates of functions. If f(x) and g(x) grow at the same rate as x approaches infinity, you write f(x) ≃ g(x).
• ≐ (U+2250) — Approaches the Limit: Used when a sequence or function approaches a specific value. Related to limits in calculus.
• ≒ (U+2252) — Approximately Equal or Equal: Common in East Asian mathematical notation, particularly Japanese and Korean textbooks.
• ≓ (U+2253) — Image of or Approximately Equal: A less common variant with specialized use in certain branches of mathematics.

How to Type the Approximately Equal Symbol

Windows

For the ≈ symbol on Windows, make sure Num Lock is on, then hold Alt and type 247 on the numeric keypad. For other variants, press Win + Period to open the emoji and symbol picker and search for "approximately."

Mac

For other variants, press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer and search for "approximately."

Microsoft Word and Google Docs

In Microsoft Word, type 2248 then press Alt + X to convert it to ≈. For ≅, type 2245 then Alt + X. In Google Docs, go to Insert > Special Characters and search for "approximately."

Mobile (iPhone and Android)

On iPhone, the ≈ symbol isn't on the default keyboard. The fastest way is to copy it from this page. On some third-party keyboards or international layouts, you may find it in the symbols section. Android users can long-press the equals sign on some keyboards to reveal ≈ as an option.

History of the Approximately Equal Symbol

The ≈ symbol was introduced by the French mathematician Adrien-Marie Legendre in the late 18th century. He used it in his work on number theory and geometry to indicate values that were close but not exact. The symbol gained wider adoption throughout the 19th century as mathematical notation became more standardized.

The tilde (~) was historically used for similar purposes and still appears in older texts. However, the modern wavy equals sign (≈) has largely replaced the tilde in formal mathematical writing for approximations, while the tilde took on other roles like negation in logic and home directory paths in computing.

When Should You Use ≈ vs. Other Variants?

For most everyday use — writing estimates, rounding numbers, casual math — ≈ is the correct choice. Use ≅ specifically when writing about geometric congruence or algebraic isomorphism. Use ≃ when discussing asymptotic behavior or function growth rates. The other variants (≐, ≒, ≓) are best reserved for the specific mathematical contexts where they have precise definitions.

Related Symbols

• = — Equal to (exact equality)
• ≠ — Not equal to
• ≤ — Less than or equal to
• ≥ — Greater than or equal to
• ~ — Tilde (sometimes used for approximation informally)
• ∝ — Proportional to