How to use it
- Click a symbol to copy it.
- Paste it into your document, email or homework.
- Check the panel for the Alt code, Mac shortcut or HTML code.
Symbols by category
| Category | Symbols |
|---|---|
| Operations | + − × · ÷ ± ∓ √ ∛ ∜ % ‰ |
| Comparison | = ≠ ≈ ≡ ≅ ∼ < > ≤ ≥ ≪ ≫ |
| Calculus | ∑ ∏ ∫ ∬ ∮ ∂ ∆ ∇ ′ ∞ |
| Sets | ∈ ∉ ⊂ ⊆ ⊃ ⊇ ∪ ∩ ∖ ∅ ℕ ℤ ℚ ℝ ℂ |
| Logic | ∀ ∃ ⇒ ⇔ ∴ |
| Geometry | ∠ ⊥ ∥ △ ° π |
| Fractions | ½ ⅓ ⅔ ¼ ¾ ⅛ |
| Super- and subscripts | ⁰ ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁿ ₀ ₁ ₂ ₃ |
How to type common math symbols
| Symbol | Windows (U.S.) | Mac | HTML |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≠ | – | Option + = | ≠ |
| ≤ | Alt + 243 | Option + , | ≤ |
| ≥ | Alt + 242 | Option + . | ≥ |
| ± | Alt + 0177 | Option + Shift + = | ± |
| × | Alt + 0215 | – | × |
| ÷ | Alt + 0247 | Option + / | ÷ |
| √ | Alt + 251 | Option + V | √ |
| π | Alt + 227 | Option + P | π |
| ≈ | Alt + 247 | Option + X | ≈ |
| ² | Alt + 253 | – | ² |
In Microsoft Word, the Equation editor (Alt + =) understands commands like \neq, \leq, \sqrt and \sum.
Minus sign vs. hyphen
The real minus sign − (U+2212) is slightly longer than the hyphen - and sits at the same height as the plus sign. Typesetting programs use it in formulas; for most everyday text and spreadsheets, the hyphen is fine. Similarly, use × or · for multiplication in text instead of the letter x.
For Greek letters used in math and science (α β γ δ θ λ μ σ Ω), see the Greek alphabet. For the infinity symbol and logic signs, see the infinity symbol page.
How to copy and paste
Click a symbol on this page and it's copied to your clipboard right away. Then:
- Windows: click where you want it and press Ctrl + V.
- Mac: press Cmd + V.
- iPhone and Android: tap and hold in the text field, then tap Paste.
The panel that opens after a click also lets you copy the HTML code instead, or add the symbol to the Your text box at the bottom so you can combine several symbols and words and copy them all at once. Symbols you've used recently appear at the top of the page, stored only in your browser.
Writing math in plain text
When you can't use an equation editor, for example in an email, chat or online form, Unicode symbols make formulas readable:
- Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c²
- Quadratic formula: x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) ÷ 2a
- Inequalities: 0 ≤ x < 10, x ≠ 3
- Sets: A ∪ B, A ∩ B, x ∈ ℝ
- Sums: ∑ xᵢ for i = 1 to n
Keep the expression simple and use parentheses generously so it can't be misread. For anything longer than a line or two, a proper equation editor (Word, Google Docs, LaTeX) gives much better results.
Frequently asked questions
How do I type the not equal sign ≠?
On a Mac, Option + =. In Word, type 2260 and press Alt + X. Or copy it from this page.
How do I type ≤ and ≥ on Windows?
With a U.S. English layout, Alt + 243 gives ≤ and Alt + 242 gives ≥.
How do I type a square root symbol?
Alt + 251 on Windows, Option + V on a Mac, or √ in HTML.
How do I write superscript 2 (squared)?
Copy ², use Alt + 253 on Windows, or ² in HTML.
Sources
Last updated: November 12, 2026