Approximately but Not Actually Equal To ≆
≆ (U+2246) is a standard Unicode character that you can copy and paste anywhere text is accepted. This page provides a concise reference with safe tips, internal links, and practical guidance so you can use it reliably across apps and platforms.
What it is and where it’s used: Approximately but Not Actually Equal To is part of the Symbols family (block: Mathematical Operators). If you need styled or decorative alternatives, try our Fancy Text tool to generate compatible text that works in most modern interfaces.
History & usage: The symbol U+2246 is known as APPROXIMATELY BUT NOT ACTUALLY EQUAL TO. It sits in the Mathematical Operators block. In history and use, it has a clear place in math notation. The character helps people read formulas that compare values. It also appears in user interfaces where comparisons matter. The code point U+2246 identifies the symbol in character sets. The name in English is provided as APPROXIMATELY BUT NOT ACTUALLY EQUAL TO. The symbol is used when a value is similar to another but not exactly the same. In everyday math writing, it shows a close relationship between numbers. In apps and calculators, it helps explain where a result is approximate. This usage aligns with its role as a common math symbol. Users see it to understand a near equality. The symbol's use supports clear communication in formulas and interfaces. It is part of standard math notation and is taught as a nearby but distinct idea. This history helps explain why it remains in modern notation and tools.
Copy and input: the quickest method is to copy the character here. You can also insert it by its codepoint U+2246 in many development tools or editors. Some operating systems provide a character viewer or input palette that lets you search by name or code and insert the glyph into documents.
Display and fallback: if you see an empty box (tofu) or a placeholder rectangle, the active font might not include this codepoint. Switching to a font with broader Unicode coverage or using a fallback font usually fixes the issue. On the web, ensure the page’s font stack includes a general‑purpose fallback.
Related references: browse the Categories for similar characters. When choosing a symbol, prefer the official codepoint for semantic clarity and better compatibility with search, copy, and accessibility tooling.
See our category page for related symbols.
Technical details
- Codepoint:
U+2246 - General Category:
Sm - Age:
1.1 - Bidi Class:
ON - Block:
Mathematical Operators - Script:
Common - UTF-8:
E2 89 86 - UTF-16:
2246 - UTF-32:
00002246 - HTML dec:
≆ - HTML hex:
≆ - JS escape:
\u2246 - Python \N{}:
\N{APPROXIMATELY BUT NOT ACTUALLY EQUAL TO} - Python \u:
\u2246 - Python \U:
\U00002246 - URL-encoded:
%E2%89%86 - CSS escape:
\2246
How to type / insert
Fast copy: click the Copy button near the top of this page.
By codepoint: in many editors and IDEs, you can insert via the Unicode code U+2246 or a built‑in character picker.
HTML: use the numeric entity ≆ (hex) or ≆ (decimal) when an HTML entity is needed.
Compatibility & troubleshooting
Font support: if the symbol does not render, the current font likely lacks this codepoint. Choose a font with broad Unicode coverage or allow a fallback font.
Web pages: ensure your CSS font stack includes a general fallback; avoid relying on images for common symbols to preserve accessibility and copyability.