Colon Equals ≔

≔ (U+2254) 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: Colon Equals 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 COLON EQUALS symbol, U+2254, is a punctuation mark and a math operator. It can structure text and convey tone in different styles. In some style guides, it signals a definition or mapping and joins terms with a relation. Its use as punctuation varies by locale and by publication rules. In math and computing, it marks a relationship, such as a definition, an assignment, or a comparison. In formulas, it can show that one side equals or corresponds to another. In user interfaces, it supports clear labeling of inputs or options. The symbol is part of the Mathematical Operators block. Writers choose spacing and bolding to match the surrounding text. When used in formulas, avoid misreading it as a simple colon or equals symbol. The conventions differ, so consistency within a document matters. Always check the house style before using it in a document, slide, or app. The COLON EQUALS mark helps clarify meaning and saves space in compact layouts.

Copy and input: the quickest method is to copy the character here. You can also insert it by its codepoint U+2254 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.