Given below are shortcuts for imputing the Not Equal symbol on Word or Excel. The first step in each case is to place the pointer at the exact location you intend to type the Not Equal symbol.
- Typing in Microsoft Word: Type “2260” using the numeric keypad of your keyboard and immediately follow with the “Alt” key + “X.” This shortcut only works in Microsoft Word.
- Typing using the Mac Keyboard: Type the Option + = shortcut on your keyboard.
- Typing using Windows: Press down the “alt” key and type out the figure “8800” using your numeric keys.
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Different Ways to Not Equal to Symbol in Word or Excel
Many individuals tend to struggle with accurately imputing symbols using their keyboards. When working on a time-bound project where there is a need for speed and accuracy, having to type symbols can hinder writing flow. In this article, we will be chronicling the multiple ways to type the Not Equal to Symbol (≠) in Word/Excel irrespective of the kind of Keyboard you are using, such as the Apple Mac or Windows Keyboard.
On first look at the keys on the keyboard, many keys have one sign on them, while some have two signs. Those keys with at least two symbols mean that it is possible to get any of the displayed symbols, usually by pressing the “Shift” key and the particular key simultaneously. An example of this is seen when you press the “Shift” and “1” keys simultaneously. Doing this gives you the exclamation mark sign “!”. This option is not possible with The Not Equal to symbol (≠). It is not written as a second symbol on any of the keys. As such, there have to be other means by which one can type this symbol. Aside from the shortcut method already given above, here are other means by which this can be done.
Using the Alt Code for Not Equal to in Windows
This method involves using a combination of the Alt key and numeric keypad to get the desired symbol. This unique combination is referred to as an Alt code. Every symbol has an assigned Alt code. The degree symbol (°) is Alt + 0176; for the ampersand or and symbol (&), it is Alt + 38. For the Not Equal to (≠) symbol, the Alt code is 8800. Here is how to do it.
- Activate the num lock (number lock) by pressing the key. This activates the number keypad. For laptops lacking the number keypad, use fn (function) key + num lk (number lock) keys to activate a section of your keyboard as the number pad. Now, M = 0, J = 1, K = 2, L = 3, U = 4, I = 5, O = 6, 7 =7, 8 = 8, 9 = 9 on your keyboard.
- Next, press down the Alt key and type 8800 on your keypad or 88MM for laptops without natural number keypads but which you have already activated a section of the keyboard to act as a number keypad.
- Now, release the Alt key after entering the Alt code.
Once you do this, The Not Equal to (≠) symbol will now appear in the document. This option is only applicable to a word document.
Source: Softwareaccountant.com
Using the Insert Option
This is one of the commonly used methods for typing the Not equal to (≠) symbol. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
- Click on the Insert tab on your PC or Laptop screen in a word document or excel spreadsheet.
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- Next, once the options appear, click on Symbol and select More Symbols for a word document. For Excel, click on Symbols and choose Symbol when the Equation and Symbol options appear.
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- From the symbol dialog box that is brought up, locate the Not Equal to symbol and insert it in your document. To easily find it, click on Mathematical Operators in the Subset list.
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Using the Windows Character Map
On Windows, there is the Character Map App option as well, which gives access to symbols. Among the symbols on the app is the Not Equal to the (≠) symbol. Here is how you access this feature:
- Click on the Start or Windows key on your keyboard and search for Character Map. Once found, click on the app to open it.
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- After it opens, click on Advance View to access the search box and enter “Not Equal” or “Not Equal to” in the search box.
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- The Not Equal to (≠) symbol immediately appears. Double click on it to select it. The symbol will now appear in the Characters to copy box.
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- Proceed to copy and paste it in your desired document or spreadsheet.
These are some of the keyboard methods to produce the Not Equal to the (≠) symbol. You may also copy and paste the symbol directly from the internet after entering “Not Equal to the symbol” as a search term on Google. Another more complicated method involves using AutoCorrect to swap your term of choice for the symbol. However, I have chosen to omit it and rather present this in a simple format for easy and immediate usage.
So, next time when you need to produce the Not Equal to (≠) symbol, feel free to follow any of the above-listed methods and have a pleasant writing experience.
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