≠
Unicode
U+2260LaTeX
\neqHTML entity
≠HTML decimal
≠MathML
<mo>≠</mo>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- = — Equals Sign
- ≈ — Approximately Equal To
Use ≠ in the right format
Meaning and usage
States that two values or expressions are not equal.
Use it when equality is false or excluded by a condition.
Pronunciation: not equal to
Formula examples
3\neq 4x\neq 0How to type Not Equal To
- Windows
- Use Character Map or enter U+2260 in a Unicode-aware app.
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search by name.
- Microsoft Word
- Type \neq in an equation and press Space.
- 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 \neq.
- Excel
- Paste ≠ into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.
Common mistakes
- Use ≠ to deny equality, not to express an ordering such as less than or greater than.
- For plain text, copy ≠ as U+2260; for structured equations, use \neq in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Not Equal To.
When to use ≠
- Use ≠ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+2260.
- Use \neq in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Not Equal To is used in comparison with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- = — Equals Sign
- ≈ — Approximately Equal To
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 Not Equal To to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse ≠ in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
\neqfor 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: core
Last reviewed: 2026-07-26
Review method: Checked Not Equal To against its Unicode identity, LaTeX representation, HTML serialization, MathML token, and copy-and-paste behavior.
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.
- Unicode Technical Report #25: Unicode Support for MathematicsUnicode Consortium — Mathematical character usage, variants, and notation support.
- LaTeX Project DocumentationThe LaTeX Project — LaTeX syntax, authoring model, and official documentation links.
- MathML CoreW3C — Semantic web mathematics elements and browser behavior.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Not Equal To symbol mean?
States that two values or expressions are not equal.
What is the LaTeX command for ≠?
Use \neq in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy ≠ as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.