Approximately Equal To ≅

The Approximately Equal To character (≅) is a standard HTML entity defined in the HTML specification. In HTML source code, it can be written using the named entity reference ≅, the decimal numeric character reference ≅, or the hexadecimal numeric reference ≅. The character is assigned Unicode code point U+2245 in the Universal Character Set.

The congruence/approximately-equal symbol combines the tilde and equals sign to indicate that two values or geometric figures are congruent or approximately equal. In geometry, it denotes congruent shapes; in analysis, it indicates approximate equality. The symbol is visually distinct from ≈ (asymptotically equal).

Mathematical HTML entities enable web authors to display proper mathematical notation without relying on images or specialized rendering libraries like MathJax or KaTeX. While complex equations and multi-line formulas may still benefit from dedicated math typesetting tools, individual symbols expressed as HTML entities render quickly, remain accessible to screen readers, and can be styled with CSS just like regular text content.

When deciding how to encode the Approximately Equal To character in your HTML documents, the named entity ≅ is generally the most readable choice for developers reviewing or maintaining source code. The decimal form ≅ and hexadecimal form ≅ are equally valid alternatives that work in contexts where named entities may not be supported, or when generating HTML output programmatically from server-side code. All three representations produce identical visual output in every modern web browser.

Use the congruence symbol in geometry to indicate congruent triangles (△ABC ≅ △DEF), in modular arithmetic for congruence relations, and in approximation contexts. Choose ≅ when the approximation implies strong similarity or congruence, and ≈ for more general approximations.