How to type the not equal sign
Use the shortcut for the device or app you have open, or copy the symbol above.
- Windows (numeric keypad)
- Copy ≠ from this page, or use the Word hex method below
- Windows (Word)
- Type 2260 then press Alt + X, or in an equation type \ne and a space
- Mac
- Option + = on a US keyboard layout
- iPhone / iPad
- Copy ≠ from this page, or add a Text Replacement in Settings → General → Keyboard (for example != for ≠)
- Android
- Copy ≠ from this page, or look for it on the keyboard symbol pages (?123, then =\<)
- Google Docs
- Insert → Special characters and search for not equal, or in an equation type \ne and a space
- Microsoft Word
- Type 2260 then Alt + X, Option + = on Mac, or Insert → Symbol
What is the not equal sign?
The not equal sign ≠ is Unicode U+2260 NOT EQUAL TO. It states that two values differ, and it is the standard way to write inequality in mathematics, logic, and plain text.
How to type the not equal sign and where to use it
On a Mac, press Option + = and ≠ appears. In Microsoft Word on Windows, type 2260 and press Alt + X, or open an equation and type \ne followed by a space. Google Docs has Insert → Special characters, and the same \ne trick works in its equation editor. On phones and for quick jobs, the copy button above is the fastest route, and a Text Replacement on iPhone turns a short code like != into ≠.
Windows has no dependable Alt code for ≠ on the numeric keypad, so the Word hex method, a Character Map lookup, or the copy button are the practical choices. The Emoji and symbols panel (Windows key + period) also searches math symbols by name.
In writing, ≠ shows up in equations such as x ≠ 0, in tables and comparisons, and in logic. Programming languages use text forms instead: != in C, JavaScript, and Python, <> in SQL and Excel formulas, and /= in Haskell. When you write documentation, use ≠ in prose and the language’s own operator inside code samples.
On the web, write ≠ or ≠ in HTML, or paste the character into a UTF-8 file. In CSS content, use the escape \2260. UTF-8 encodes ≠ as the three bytes E2 89 A0. Math markup such as LaTeX writes it as \neq or \ne.
Close relatives are listed in the related characters row: ≈ for approximately equal, ≡ for identical or congruent, and ≤ and ≥ for less than or equal and greater than or equal. Pick by meaning, since ≠ states that two things differ, while ≈ says they are close. For a fuller set of operators, see the Math Symbols board.
Frequently asked questions
How do I type the not equal sign on a Mac?
Press Option + = on a US keyboard layout to type ≠.
How do I type ≠ on Windows?
In Word, type 2260 and press Alt + X. In other apps, copy ≠ from this page or pick it from Character Map.
What is the HTML code for the not equal sign?
Use ≠ or ≠ in HTML. In CSS, the escape is \2260.
How do I write not equal in Excel or code?
Excel formulas use <>, and most programming languages use !=. Use ≠ itself when writing prose, tables, or math text.
What is the difference between ≠ and ≈?
≠ means two values differ. ≈ means they are approximately equal. Both are in the related characters row for quick copying.
Is the not equal sign free to use?
Yes. It is a standard Unicode character, free to copy and paste with no account required.