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 four copyable approximate symbols:
U+2248 (≈): Approximately Equal To
U+2252 (≒): Approximately Equal To (also known as “the Image Of” depending on context)
U+007E (~): Tilde (often used to denote an approximation of a single number)
U+2237 (≃): Equivalent To
U+223C (≅): Approximately Equal To Or Equivalent To
It is possible that U+2252 is being used experimentally in some fields of physics. For instance, in experimental physics, G ≒ 6.67430 x 10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2 is used instead of G = 6.67430 x 10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2, because the precise value of the gravitational constant is only known up to a certain precision.
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 → ≈
Alt + 126 → ~
Alt 8786 → ≒
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 code: ≒
HTML entity: ≒
CSS code: \2252
Hexadecimal: ≒
JavaScript: let str = "\u2252";
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
While the first five options apply to Word 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word 365 on Windows, they should all work in Office 365 for Mac. A few methods will vary slightly across versions.
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.
Alternatively, right-click the insertion point where you’d like to insert the symbol and choose Symbol from the contextual menu. If you’re working within an equation, select Equation > Insert New Equation and then choose Symbol from the contextual menu.
In the resulting dialog box, scroll down until you find the “approximate” symbol (either the “≈” or the “≓”) 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 “≈” character appears at the cursor’s location.
To type the “≒” character:
Hold down the Alt key.
Press the numpad keys sequentially. Enter the digits on your numpad: 8, 7, 8, 6
Release the Alt key.
The “≒” character appears at the cursor’s location.
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:
Right-click the Insert menu and select Customize Keyboard…
From the resulting dialog box, expand the “Symbols” section.
Click in the left pane of the dialog box to highlight the “≈” symbol. Alternatively, search the Category box for the “≈” symbol.
Scroll to the bottom of the dialog box and click in the Press new shortcut key box.
Press the keyboard combination that you want to use for inserting the “≈” symbol. For example, you could press Ctrl + Shift + =
Click Assign.
Click Close.
Word will now assign the “≈” symbol to whatever keyboard shortcut you chose.
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.
From the Insert menu, select Equation > Insert New Equation.
Select Insert > Equation > More Symbols.
Click the “≡” symbol, or choose the option from the list.
Choose the “≈” symbol from the menu.
You’ll see the “≈” symbol added to your equation.
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.