The Approximate symbol is derived from the Latin word approximates, meaning “very near.” There may be times we aren’t sure of the result exactly or if two of the things are not precisely equal. To avoid confusion, we used the approximation symbol. The Approximate symbol (≈) is denoted by two curvy lines parallel to each other. There is no dedicated Approximate symbol key on the keyboard. But, you can easily add it to your document using a combination of keys. In addition, you can get an approximately equal symbol using Character Map, Character Viewer, Symbols dialog box, etc.
How to Insert an Approximate Symbol on Windows using the Keyboard?
In the case of Windows, we have Alt Codes. It will get you whatever symbol you want. Likewise, you can also insert the Approximate symbol using Character Map.
1. Alt Code
Alt codes are the easiest way to type the Approximate symbol. The alt code for the Approximate symbol is 247. But the Alt code only works if you have a keyboard with a dedicated numeric pad. In laptops, you must unlock the numeric pad and use the numeric keys above the alphabet. To unlock the numeric keyboard on the laptop keyboards, press Fn+NumLock (NMLK).
- Place the insertion point wherever you want to type the approximate symbol.
- Now, press and hold the Alt Key.
- Then, press the 247 keys on the numeric pad (necessarily in the same order).
- Release the Alt key to add the Approximate symbol.
2. Unicode
The Unicode for the Approximate symbol is 2248. To add an approximate symbol using Unicode, refer to the below steps.
- Enter the Unicode number 2248 on the document.
- Select the Unicode numbers.
- Press the Alt Key and the X key simultaneously to insert the approximate symbol.
2. Use Character Map
The next way to insert the Approximate Equal symbol is by using the Character Map.
- Search for Character Map on the Start menu.
- Then click on it to open.
- On the Character Map, tick the Advanced View box at the bottom.
- Now, type Almost Equal on the search bar.
- Choose the Approximately Equal symbol from the list.
- Now, click the Copy button and paste it wherever you want.
Note: You can also follow the above steps to insert Not Equal to Symbol.
How to Get an Approximate Symbol on MS Word?
There are two ways to add the approximate symbol in MS Word.
1. Symbols Dialog Box
You can also use the Symbols dialog box on Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint to insert the Approximately Equal symbol in a document.
- Place the insertion point in the space where you want the symbol.
- Then, click on the Insert option in the Menu bar.
- Choose Symbol and then choose More symbols.
- Under the Subset drop-down, choose Mathematical Operations.
- Select the Approximate symbol and click the Insert to add the Approximately equal symbol.
2. Create a Custom Shortcut for an Approximate Symbol
- Navigate to the Symbols section and select the Approximate symbol.
- Tap the Shortcut Key button.
- Enter your desired shortcut key in the box. Make sure to create the shortcut key with Ctrl or Alt Key. For example, Ctrl+S. You can also use both Ctrl and Alt keys to create an Approximate symbol shortcut such as Ctrl+Alt+ S.
- Finally, tap the Assign button.
- Now, press the shortcut keys you have created to get the approximate symbol on MS Word.
You can also use the auto-correct feature to insert the symbol. In addition to the above methods, You can copy the Approximately equal symbol from the other documents or websites and paste it into your document.
How to Get an Approximate Symbol on Google Docs?
Inserting an Approximate symbol on Google Docs is similar to MS Word. Here are a few methods to add an Approximate symbol on Google Docs:
- Press ALT + 247. This will insert “≈” on your Google Docs.
- Go to Insert -> Special Character -> Enter “Almost Equal to” to get the “≈” on your Docs.
Tips: You can create new docs by visiting docs.new on your browser.
How to Insert an Approximate Symbol on Mac?
Mac users can easily add the Approximately Equal sign using the hotkeys or Character Viewer.
1. Shortcut Keys
- Place the cursor in the portion where you want to insert the symbol.
- Press and hold the Option Key.
- Then press the X key.
- And release the Option Key to insert the symbol.
2. Character Viewer
- Launch the Character Viewer on your Mac by pressing the Ctrl+Cmd+Spacebar keys.
- On the Character Viewer, navigate to the option Math Symbols displayed on the side menu bar.
- Locate and click the Approximately Equal symbol.
- Finally, tap the option Done to add the Approximate symbol.
How to Add an Approximate Symbol on Linux?
In the case of the Linux keyboard, we have Unicode for all symbols like Mac and Windows.
- Press and hold the Control + Shift + U.
- Type 2248. (Necessarily in the same order).
- Then, press the Enter Key.
- Gently release the keys to insert the Approximate symbol.
How to Type Approximate Symbol on Smartphone [Android and iOS]?
1. On your smartphone, place the cursor where you want to insert the symbol.
2. Press the 123 buttons on the virtual keyboard.
3. Long-press the Equal to (=) symbol and tap the Approximate symbol on the virtual keyboard to add it.
Other Symbol Guides:
- How to Add Infinity Symbol on Keyboard
- How to Type Copyright Symbol on Keyboard
- How to Insert Division Symbol on Keyboard
- How to Type a Registered Trademark Symbol
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way to type the Approximate symbol is by using the keyboard shortcut keys.
Yes. You can add the approximate symbol on iPhone. To know about the steps, refer to the blog.
Just press the Option key and the X key to add the approximate symbol. In addition, you can also use Character Viewer to insert the Approximate symbol.