≔
Unicode
U+2254LaTeX
\coloneqqHTML entity
≔HTML decimal
≔MathML
<mo>≔</mo>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- ≝ — Equal To by Definition
Use ≔ in the right format
Meaning and usage
Defines the expression on the left using the expression on the right.
Keep the chosen definition direction consistent throughout a document.
Pronunciation: colon equals
Formula examples
f(x)≔x²How to type Colon Equals
- Windows
- Use Character Map or enter U+2254 in a Unicode-aware application.
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search by the symbol name.
- Microsoft Word
- In an equation, type \coloneqq and press Space when Word supports the command.
- iPhone and iPad
- Copy and paste ≔, or use a math/LaTeX app. The standard iOS keyboard may not expose every mathematical symbol.
- Android
- Copy and paste ≔, or use a math keyboard or LaTeX editor. Keyboard layouts vary by device and app.
- Google Docs
- For plain text, paste ≔ or use Insert → Special characters. For structured math, use the equation editor and verify \coloneqq.
- Excel
- Paste ≔ into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.
Common mistakes
- Preserve grouping, operator order, and spacing around ≔; Keep the chosen definition direction consistent throughout a document.
- For plain text, copy ≔ as U+2254; for structured equations, use \coloneqq in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Colon Equals.
When to use ≔
- Use ≔ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+2254.
- Use \coloneqq in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Colon Equals is used in comparison, algebra with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- ≝ — Equal To by Definition
Font and compatibility notes
Glyph shape can vary by font. Verify the code point after copying, and prefer LaTeX or MathML for structured equations.
Continue the workflow
From Colon Equals to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse ≔ in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
\coloneqqfor LaTeX or the MathML snippet for accessible web equations. - Edit or convertOpen the value in the editor or converter without retyping it.
Review and source notes
Quality tier: specialist
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23
Review method: Catalog review of character identity and notation mappings.
Verified against: Unicode Standard, Unicode mathematical notation guidance, and established LaTeX/MathML syntax.
Reference sources
- The Unicode StandardUnicode Consortium — Character identity, encoding, names, and conformance.
- Unicode Character Code ChartsUnicode Consortium — Code points and official character charts.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Colon Equals symbol mean?
Defines the expression on the left using the expression on the right.
What is the LaTeX command for ≔?
Use \coloneqq in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy ≔ as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.