Introduction
There are multiple approximate symbols available to copy. Each one means slightly different things. For example, the symbol for “approximately equal to” (≈) can be used to denote two values that are nearly, but not exactly, equal. In other contexts, it’s possible to use this symbol to show a value or expression that approximates something else.
For instance, 7/3 is approximately 2.33, meaning that it doesn’t actually equal 2.33, but it comes very close. There are five copyable symbols discussed here:
U+2248 (≈): Almost Equal To
U+2252 (≒): Approximately Equal To Or The Image Of
U+007E (~): Tilde (often used informally for “about”; mathematical meaning varies by field)
U+2243 (≃): Asymptotically Equal To
U+2245 (≅): Approximately Equal To
Unicode names identify the characters; the mathematical meaning still depends on the author’s convention. Visual similarity does not make these symbols interchangeable.
In mathematics, you might see ≈ used between two expressions like an = sign. For example, 5.6 + 5.5 ≈ 11. In other instances, you might just have an approximate value using ~; for example, you might have a number that approximates π by using ~3.1416.
Copy & Paste Approximate Symbols With Alt Codes
You can also simply copy and paste an approximate symbol into your document, but there are specific Alt codes that produce them if you use the numpad. Here’s how:
Ctrl+C to copy and Ctrl+V to paste the appropriate approximate symbol. You can also find it in the Character Map utility under the Symbols category.
Alt + 247 → ≈ in some legacy Windows code-page contexts; this is not universal
Alt + 126 → ~
For Unicode-aware entry in Microsoft Word, type the hexadecimal code point (2248 for ≈ or 2252 for ≒) and press Alt + X.
Unicode, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Code for the Approximate Symbol
You can also use Unicode to display the approximate symbol. The following list includes the Unicode, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code needed for each variant:
≈: Unicode U+2248
HTML decimal: ≈
HTML named reference: ≈
CSS code: \2248
Hexadecimal: ≈
JavaScript: let str = "\u2248";
Unicode can be used within programmatic contexts, such as displaying the results of calculations that have an uncertain outcome, for example, the output of a mathematical calculation may include a note explaining the result in terms of the input data.
Inserting the Approximate Symbol Into Word
In Microsoft Word, there are several methods available for inserting an approximate symbol such as the “≈” character.
The Insert Symbol command
Alt code number sequence
A custom keyboard shortcut
An AutoCorrect entry
Equation tools
Copy-paste
Windows Alt-code and Alt+X methods are not universal Mac shortcuts. Word for Mac offers its own symbol dialog, and copy-paste works in fields that accept the character. Check the instructions for your version.
Method 1: Insert Symbol
If you’re using the desktop version of Word (and not the browser-based Word Online), the Insert > Symbol > More Symbols dialog box gives you access to a wide range of special characters including the “approximate” symbol.
Click the Insert menu.
From the resulting dropdown menu, select Symbol > More Symbols.
For Word for Mac, use Insert > Advanced Symbol and select the symbol, as described in Microsoft’s Mac symbol instructions.
In the resulting dialog box, scroll down until you find the “approximate” symbol (the “≈” character, U+2248) and click Insert to add it to your current document.
You can also change which font appears in the Insert Symbol dialog box by selecting it from the Font dropdown list.
Method 2: Alt Code Number Sequence
If you’ve configured your keyboard to use a numpad, you can quickly insert the “≈” symbol using its corresponding Alt code. However, keep in mind that these Alt codes only work with the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard.
To type the “≈” character:
Hold down the Alt key.
Press the numpad keys sequentially. Enter the digits on your numpad: 2, 4, 7
Release the Alt key.
The result depends on the active application and code page. If “≈” does not appear, use Word's 2248 then Alt + X method or Insert Symbol.
Do not assume that holding Alt while typing a Unicode decimal value will insert “≒”. In Word, type 2252 and press Alt + X; elsewhere, use Character Map, Insert Symbol, or copy and paste.
Method 3: Custom Keyboard Shortcut
You can configure Word to allow you to insert the “≈” symbol by pressing a keyboard shortcut combination that you define.
To create a custom keyboard shortcut for the “≈” symbol:
In Word for Windows, open Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, select ≈, and use Shortcut Key if that option is available. Choose an unassigned combination and save it in the intended document or template. The menu and availability differ on Mac and the web.
Method 4: AutoCorrect Entry
Microsoft Word provides an AutoCorrect feature that allows you to replace a string of characters with a symbol. Using the AutoCorrect feature, you can automatically convert the term “approx” with the “≈” symbol.
To add an AutoCorrect entry for the “≈” symbol:
Click File > Options.
Select Proofing.
Click on AutoCorrect Options.
In the AutoCorrect window, select the “Replace text with” radio button.
Type “approx” into the “Replace” field.
Type “≈” into the “With” field.
Click Add.
Click OK.
Now, typing the word “approx” followed by a space or other punctuation will automatically replace it with the “≈” symbol.
Method 5: Equation Tools
When you’re editing an equation, you can insert an “≈” symbol directly from the Equation toolbar. You can do so via the Insert menu, or by using the ribbon interface.
In a Word equation, use the relation-symbol palette to select ≈. Where LaTeX equation input is supported, \approx is the command for the approximately-equal relation. This is equation entry, not a general text-field shortcut.
Method 6: Copy & Paste
This is probably the easiest way to insert an “≈” symbol. Just open up the Character Map app and copy the symbol from there, or search online for it. Then, paste the symbol wherever you need it.