Almost Equal To

A symbol from the Math Symbols collection. Click the symbol or the button below to copy.

Symbol: ≈
Unicode: U+2248
HTML entity: ≈
Category: Math Symbols

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Download Almost Equal To as a vector SVG or a raster PNG.

PNG size

SVG uses the system font stack — open in any vector editor and convert to outlines if needed. PNGs have a transparent background.

9 of 58 in the math symbols collection

About the almost equal to symbol

Known as the Almost Equal To sign, this symbol consists of two wavy parallel lines. It is typically read as approximately equal to or asymptotic to. Part of a collection of mathematical operators, it serves as a common script element across various languages and technical fields to indicate that two values or concepts are close enough to be considered equivalent for a given purpose, even if they are not identical.

In real-world applications, this character is frequently used in mathematics and physics to denote rounded numbers or estimated results. It also appears in commerce and daily writing when referring to approximate currency conversions or timeframes, such as indicating that a price is roughly a certain amount. Additionally, it is used in typography and social media to stand in for terms like roughly or around when brevity is required.

How to type Almost Equal To

Native keyboard shortcuts for each operating system — derived from the codepoint, so the steps below are always accurate.

Windows

2 options

In Word / Outlook: type 2248 then press Alt + X.
Anywhere: press Win + . to open the emoji & symbol picker, then search.

macOS

2 options

Enable “Unicode Hex Input” in System Settings → Keyboard, then hold Option and type 2248.
Or: Control + Command + Space opens the Character Viewer — search by name.