Greater than or equal to sign ≥

age ≥ 21 means 21 or older. The wide end of the sign faces the side that is greater or equal.

In word problems, these phrases translate to ≥:

• at least: “Order at least 3 items” → items ≥ 3
• no less than, minimum: “Minimum balance $500” → balance ≥ 500
• or more, or older: “21 or older” → age ≥ 21

On a number line, x ≥ 4 has a closed dot at 4 and an arrow pointing right. In interval notation, it is [4, ∞).

• > means strictly greater than: x > 4 excludes 4. “Over 21” and “21 or older” are different conditions, so contracts, forms and code should say which one they mean.
• ⩾ (slanted) is the same relation in a style used in some European typography; \geqslant in LaTeX with amssymb.
• ≧ (double bar) is another variant, often seen in Japanese texts.
• => is not greater-or-equal. In JavaScript and C# it is an arrow for functions, in PHP it maps array keys, and in logic it can mean “implies.” The comparison is always >=, with the > first.

• Programming: >= in Python, JavaScript, C, Java, SQL and most other languages.
• Excel and Google Sheets: =COUNTIF(B2:B50, ">=90") counts scores of 90 or higher. In COUNTIF and SUMIF criteria, the operator goes inside the quotes.
• Word: in an equation (Alt+=), type \ge or \geq and press space.
• LaTeX: \ge or \geq.
• Phones: there is no default key on iPhone or Android. Copy it here or set up a text replacement such as “gteq” → ≥.

When you write rules for people, spell it out once: “applicants must be at least 18 (age ≥ 18).”