How to Type a Not Equal Sign
The not equal sign (≠) indicates inequality between two values. Essential for mathematics, programming, and logic expressions when values are different.
Last reviewed on October 3, 2026.
Quick Reference
Windows
Alt-code shortcuts don't exist for ≠ (codes above 255 don't work). In Word or Outlook, type 2260 then press Alt + X. In any app, press Win + . and open the Symbols tab (Ω) → Math symbols.
Word: 2260, Alt + X · Any app: Win + .
Mac
Press Option + =.
Option + =
Linux
Press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 2260, press Enter.
Ctrl + Shift + U, 2260, Enter
HTML
Use the HTML entity ≠ or numeric ≠.
≠ or ≠
Common Uses
The not equal sign is used across mathematics, programming, and logic to express that two values are different or not equivalent.
- Mathematics: x ≠ 0 (x is not equal to zero)
- Programming (visual): Representing != in documentation
- Logic: A ≠ B (A and B are not the same)
- Algebra: 2 + 2 ≠ 5 (false statement)
- Set theory: S₁ ≠ S₂ (sets are different)
Programming Equivalents
In programming, the not equal operator varies by language:
- Most languages: != (C, Java, JavaScript, Python, etc.)
- SQL: <> or !=
- Pascal: <>
- BASIC: <>
- R: !=
The ≠ symbol is typically used in documentation and mathematical notation, while != is used in actual code.
Related Inequality Symbols
≠ Not equal to
< Less than
> Greater than
≤ Less than or equal to (U+2264)
≥ Greater than or equal to (U+2265)
≈ Approximately equal to (U+2248)
In Equations, Spreadsheets & Code
- Microsoft Word equations: type
\nefollowed by a space. - LaTeX:
\neqor\ne. - Excel / Google Sheets: the not-equal operator is
<>, e.g.=IF(A1<>B1, "diff", "same"). - Coding fonts with ligatures (Fira Code, JetBrains Mono) draw
!=as ≠, but the source file still contains!=.
Technical Details
Unicode: U+2260
HTML Entity: ≠
HTML Decimal: ≠
Alt Code (Windows): none — use 2260 then Alt + X in Word
Name: NOT EQUAL TO