Not Equal Sign: Definition and Examples
reviewed by Jo-ann Caballes
Updated on August 4, 2026
The not equal sign (≠) is a math symbol that shows two values or expressions are different from each other. It’s the direct opposite of the equal sign (=): where = says two things are the same, ≠ says they aren’t.
It works with both known numbers and unknowns. If you have 6 and 9, you can write 6 ≠ 9. If you have an unknown x and the number 9, you can write x ≠ 9 to say that whatever x represents, it isn’t 9.
What Is the Not Equal Sign?
The not equal sign is ≠, and it’s used to show that two expressions or values are not the same as each other. Like the greater than and less than symbols, it’s one of the inequality symbols in math — but instead of saying which value is bigger, it simply says the two values differ.
The not equal sign belongs to a broader family of inequality symbols that all describe relationships between values without stating they’re identical.
What Does ≠ Mean?
The ≠ symbol means two values or expressions are not equal. You may also see it called the doesn’t equal sign, the unequal sign, or the is not equal sign — all four names refer to the same symbol.
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The Not Equal Symbol in Equations
Beyond comparing two fixed values, the not equal sign can also show that the result of an equation doesn’t match a particular number. For example, if x + y = 7 and you know that 5 + y ≠ 7, you can rule out 2 as a possible value for y — since 5 + 2 would equal 7, and you’re told the result isn’t 7. This kind of elimination is common in solving systems of equations.
Working through problems like this one regularly is exactly what Brighterly’s algebra tutor program builds toward, since ruling out values with ≠ shows up constantly once equations get more advanced.
How to Type the Not Equal Sign
To hand-draw the not equal sign, draw an equal sign (=), then add a diagonal line through it running from lower-left to upper-right: ≠. Typing depends on your device.
On a PC (Word or Microsoft Office)
Place your cursor where you want the symbol, hold the “Alt” key, and type 8800 on the numeric keypad. Alternatively, type 2260, then hold “Alt” and press X to convert it.
On a Mac (Word or Microsoft Office)
Hold the “Option” key and press +=. You can also hold “Control” and “Command” and press the space bar to open the character viewer, then search “not equal.”
In a Google Doc
Go to Insert, then Special Characters, then search “not equal” to find and insert the symbol — no keyboard shortcut needed.
Not Equal Sign in Real Life
- Weighing ingredients for cooking or baking, where amounts rarely come out exactly equal
- Comparing heights within a family, since no two people are usually the same height
- Comparing test scores across a classroom, where not everyone earns the same result
- Comparing grocery prices, since items rarely cost exactly the same amount
Once ≠ feels comfortable, greater than or equal to and its relatives are a natural next step, since they build on the same idea of comparing values without requiring exact equality.
Solved Examples
Solved example 1
Andrew and Sarah, who are brother and sister, measure their heights: 3’8″ and 3’3″. Are they equal in height?
Answer: No — 3’8″ ≠ 3’3″, since the two measurements are different.
Solved example 2
A batch of fruit and vegetables weighs 500 g, while a burger weighs 400 g. Are the two weights equal?
Answer: No — 500 g ≠ 400 g.
Solved example 3
Write “the value of n is not equal to 9” using symbols.
Answer: n ≠ 9.
Not Equal Sign: Practice Problems
Not Equal Sign Worksheets
Put this into practice with related Brighterly worksheets:
- One-Step Inequalities Worksheets
- Two-Step Inequalities Worksheets
- Graphing Inequalities on a Number Line Worksheets
- Inequality Word Problems Worksheets
Parents looking for classroom-style strategies can also find and check out our guide on how to teach greater than less than, which covers comparison symbols as a group.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Not Equal Sign
What Is the Not Equal Symbol Called?
It’s most often called the not equal sign, or the doesn’t equal sign. You’ll also see it referred to as the unequal sign or the is-not-equal sign — all of these describe the same ≠ symbol used to show that two values or expressions differ from each other.
How Is the Not Equal Sign Different From Less Than or Greater Than?
The not equal sign (≠) only states that two values are different, without saying which one is bigger. Less than (<) and greater than (>) go a step further by specifying the direction of the difference. All three are inequality symbols, but ≠ carry the least information about the relationship.
Can You Use the Not Equal Sign With Variables?
Yes. It works the same way with unknowns as it does with fixed numbers. Writing x ≠ 9 means whatever value x turns out to represent, it isn’t 9 — this is common when solving equations and ruling out possible answers along the way.
Is There a Shortcut Key for the Not Equal Sign?
On Windows, hold Alt and type 8800, or type 2260 and press Alt+X. On a Mac, press Option and += together. In Google Docs, use Insert > Special Characters and search “not equal” instead of a keyboard shortcut.
What’s the Opposite of the Not Equal Sign?
The equal sign (=) is the direct opposite. Where ≠ states that two values differ, = states that they are exactly the same. Together, the two symbols cover every possible relationship between two numeric values in terms of equality.
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