U+22DC⋜⋜<mo>⋜</mo>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- ∑ — Summation
- ∈ — Element Of
Use ⋜ in the right format
Meaning and usage
The Unicode character ⋜ is named equal to or less-than and is used as a specialized mathematical sign in contexts where its exact shape carries meaning.
Use ⋜ only when the source or field defines this exact symbol. For Equal To Or Less-Than (⋜), in portable equation source, keep the character or an equivalent LaTeX command together with a written definition because visually similar signs can represent different relations or operators.
Pronunciation: equal to or less-than
Formula examples
A ⋜ Bx ⋜ yHow to type Equal To Or Less-Than
- Windows
- Open Character Map or enter Unicode 22DC in a Unicode-aware application.
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer and search for equal to or less-than.
- Microsoft Word
- Type 22DC, then press Alt+X in Word where supported.
- 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 ⋜.
- Excel
- Paste ⋜ into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.
Common mistakes
- Keep the direction of ⋜ and its strict boundary intact when rearranging or copying an inequality.
- For plain text, copy ⋜ as U+22DC; for structured equations, use ⋜ in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Equal To Or Less-Than.
When to use ⋜
- Use ⋜ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+22DC.
- Use ⋜ in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Equal To Or Less-Than is used in discrete math, set theory with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- ∑ — Summation
- ∈ — Element Of
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 Equal To Or Less-Than to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse ⋜ in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
⋜for 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 Equal To Or Less-Than symbol mean?
The Unicode character ⋜ is named equal to or less-than and is used as a specialized mathematical sign in contexts where its exact shape carries meaning.
What is the LaTeX command for ⋜?
Use ⋜ in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy ⋜ as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.