To type the less than or equal to symbol (≤) in Microsoft Word, type 2264 and press Alt + X. Word converts the code to ≤. On a Mac, press Option + , (comma). In any Windows 10 or 11 app, press Windows + . (period), click the Ω Symbols tab, choose Math symbols, and click ≤. For greater than or equal to (≥), use 2265 then Alt + X, or Option + . (period) on a Mac.
Below are all the ways to type ≤ and ≥ in Word, Google Docs, Excel, and other apps, plus the right way to write them in spreadsheet formulas and code.
Quick reference
| Where | ≤ Less than or equal to | ≥ Greater than or equal to |
|---|---|---|
| Word (Windows) | 2264, then Alt + X | 2265, then Alt + X |
| Word Math AutoCorrect (in an equation) | Type \le and press Space | Type \ge and press Space |
| Any Windows app | Windows + . > Ω > Math symbols | Same |
| Windows Alt code (number pad) | Alt + 243 | Alt + 242 |
| Mac | Option + , | Option + . |
| Android (Gboard) | Press and hold the < key on the symbols keyboard | Press and hold the > key |
| iPhone | Paste it once, then save a Text Replacement in Settings > General > Keyboard | Same |
| HTML | ≤ | ≥ |
| LaTeX | \le or \leq | \ge or \geq |
| Excel / Google Sheets formulas | <= | >= |
Method 1: Word’s Alt + X shortcut
- Click where you want the symbol.
- Type 2264 for ≤ or 2265 for ≥.
- Press Alt + X.
This works in Word, Outlook, and WordPad on Windows. If a letter or number comes right before the code, add a space first so Word reads only the code.
Method 2: Windows emoji and symbol panel
- Press Windows + . (period) or Windows + ; (semicolon).
- Click the Ω (Symbols) tab.
- Choose Math symbols and click ≤ or ≥.
This works in any app, including browsers, Google Docs, Notepad, and chat apps.
Method 3: Insert Symbol in Word
- Click Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.
- Set Font to (normal text) and Subset to Mathematical Operators.
- Select ≤ and click Insert.
Or type 2264 in the Character code box with from: Unicode (hex).
Method 4: Word equations
If you’re writing math, press Alt + = to insert an equation, then type \le or \leq followed by a space. Word converts it to ≤. Use \ge for ≥ and \ne for ≠.
Method 5: Alt codes on the number pad
With Num Lock on, hold Alt and type 243 on the number pad for ≤ or 242 for ≥. These older codes work in many Windows apps, but not all. The Alt + X and symbol panel methods are more reliable.
How to type ≤ in Google Docs
- Click Insert > Special characters, and search for “less than or equal.”
- Or set up a substitution: Tools > Preferences > Substitutions, and replace <= with ≤.
In Excel and Google Sheets formulas
Formulas don’t accept the ≤ character as an operator. Use <= and >= instead, like =IF(A2<=100,”OK”,”Over”). You can still type ≤ as text in a cell or label.
Make typing easier with AutoCorrect in Word
- Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.
- In Replace, type <=. In With, paste ≤.
- Click Add, then OK. Repeat with >= and ≥.
Frequently asked questions
What does ≤ mean?
“Less than or equal to.” For example, x ≤ 5 means x can be 5 or any number below 5.
Why does my symbol show as a box?
The font doesn’t include the character. Switch to a common font like Calibri, Arial, Cambria Math, or Segoe UI.
How do I type other math symbols in Word?
Use Insert > Equation, the symbol panel, or Unicode with Alt + X. For example, 00B1 then Alt + X gives ±, and 221A gives √. See how to type square root on Windows.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.