How to Type a Less Than or Equal to Sign: PC & Mac

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Learn the alt code for a less than or equal to sign, or just copy and paste one!

Written by Cory Stillman

Last Updated: January 16, 2024 Fact Checked

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Using Windows

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Using macOS

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Using a Chromebook

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Copy and Paste

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

Alt codes can help you write mathematical signs like the "less than or equal to" symbol in various programs. The process of writing these signs is different between operating systems, but the same across programs. For example, the way to write a "less than or equal to" symbol in Word is the same for writing one in Google Docs, but it is not the same across Windows and macOS. This wikiHow article will show you how to type the "less than or equal to" sign for Mac, Windows, and Chromebook.

Things You Should Know

Press and hold Alt and type 243 on your keypad to type a less than or equal to sign on Windows.
Press Fn and NumLock on a PC without a keypad to turn the right half of your keyboard into one.
Press and hold ⌥ Option and press , to find and insert a less than or equal to sign on macOS.
If alt codes do not work for you, you can always search for a less than or equal to sign online and copy and paste it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Windows

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1
Open your text document. You can use any word-processing program like Word, Notepad, or Google Docs.
- These codes work in any text field, so you can even use the sign in an email or iMessage if necessary.
2
Understand your keyboard. To use alt codes, you must have a numeric keypad. You cannot use the numbers running horizontal across the top of your keyboard. However, there is a workaround on most laptops:
- If you're using a keyboard without the keypad, you'll need to press the Fn key and NumLock. Your number lock will turn on and the right half of your keyboard should act as the keypad. You'll see the number in small, blue text on the corresponding key.
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3
Press and hold Alt and type 243. You won't see any text appear even though you just pressed some keys.
- Make sure you use the keypad to enter these numbers, as the number row above the letters will not produce the same results.
- On some operating systems or keyboards, this combination will result in ¾ instead. If this is the case for you, try using the combination of Alt and then 8804 on your keypad instead.
  - You may also consider using a Unicode instead of an Alt code.
When you let go of the Alt key, you will see the "less than or equal to" symbol appear.^{[1]
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Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using macOS

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1
Open your text document. You can use any word-processing program like Word, TextEdit, or Google Docs.
- These codes work in any text field, so you can even use the sign in an email or iMessage if necessary.
The Option key is a modifier key and has the ability to input special characters into your page. See https://www.webnots.com/option-or-alt-key-shortcuts-to-insert-symbols-in-mac-os-x/ for more shortcuts.
When you press those buttons at the same time, you'll see the "less than or equal to" symbol appear.^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using a Chromebook

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You can access most word-processing programs through the web on your Chromebook. Open a Google Doc or Microsoft Word document to continue.
2
Press and hold Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + U and type 2264 followed by a space. If you press this combination of keys in the right order, you should see a less than or equal to sign appear.
- ChromeOS does not accept Alt codes, but it does accept Unicode characters, which is what we are using instead.
- The sign is also available on Google Docs in the "Special Characters" section of the "Insert" menu. You can insert it there manually.
  - The tile for the less than or equal to sign will also display the correct code for inputting it. Try studying and practicing the entering of this code until you get the hang of it.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Copy and Paste

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1
Search for a less than or equal to sign online. Use Google, Bing, or another popular search engine and enter the search term "less than or equal to sign".
- Because you cannot use alt codes on an Android or iPhone, this method is likely the easiest for those who require the symbol on their mobile device.
Comb through the top results. One of the first few pages should have one that you can copy and paste. In fact, here is one just in case: ≤.
Copy the less than or equal to sign to your device's clipboard. This wikiHow article can help you copy and paste on any device!
4
Paste the symbol into your document/text field. Open whatever text field requires the less than or equal to sign and paste the copied symbol into it.
- You may even consider saving the symbol in a note or document that you can easily reference. This way, you will have access to it whenever you need to input a less than or equal to sign!

Community Q&A

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Question

how do I type greater than or less than into excel on a mac?

Cory Stillman

Community Answer

These signs should be visible on your keyboard. For a greater than sign, hold down "Shift" and press the period button. For a less than sign, hold down "Shift" and press the comma button.

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how do you type the less than or equal to sign on a hp chromebook

Cory Stillman

Community Answer

Chromebooks do not accept Alt codes unfortunately, but you can use Unicode characters instead! Hold down "Ctrl" + "Shift" + "U" and then enter "2264" followed by a space.

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How do you type the less than or equal to and the greater than or equal to symbols on a Nitro 5 computer?

Cory Stillman

Community Answer

Follow the Windows instructions above for a less than or equal to sign. In order to input a greater than or equal to sign, hold down the "Alt" key and enter "242" on your numeric keypad.

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Tips

If all else fails, you can simply enter a less than sign (<) using your standard keyboard, and then underline it in Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

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Many word processing apps have an Equations menu that allows you to insert various mathematical symbols, including the less than or equal to sign. You can find the Equations menu in the Insert menu in both Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

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