U+2261 · Mathematical Operators
Identical to ≡
The identical-to sign, three horizontal lines, means "is identical to" or "is defined as." In number theory it expresses congruence, as in 17 ≡ 2 (mod 5), and in logic it marks equivalence. It is also used in physics and engineering to introduce a definition.
Character codes
| Unicode code point | U+2261 | |
|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 8801 | |
| HTML named entity | ≡ | |
| HTML (hex) | ≡ | |
| HTML (decimal) | ≡ | |
| CSS | \2261 | |
| JavaScript | \u2261 | |
| Python | \u2261 | |
| UTF-8 bytes | E2 89 A1 | |
| UTF-16 | 2261 | |
| URL-encoded | %E2%89%A1 |
Character details
| Official name | IDENTICAL TO |
|---|---|
| Unicode block | Mathematical Operators |
| General category | Math Symbol (Sm) |
| SymbolHero category | Math Symbols |
| Emoji | No |
How to type ≡
Windows
- Hold Alt and type 240 on the numeric keypad (Num Lock on), then release Alt. Alt 240 uses the code page 437.
- In Microsoft Word or Outlook: type
2261then press Alt + X. - Open Character Map (search “Character Map” in Start), tick “Advanced view”, search for “identical to”, then Select and Copy.
Mac
- Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer, search “identical to”, and double-click the result.
- With the Unicode Hex Input keyboard enabled (System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources), hold Option and type
2261.
iPhone & Android
- Tap Copy at the top of this page, then long-press where you want it and choose Paste.
Docs & web
- Google Docs: Insert → Special characters, then search “identical to” or enter
U+2261. - HTML:
≡or≡ - Excel / Google Sheets:
=UNICHAR(8801)
Examples
- 17 ≡ 2 (mod 5)
- f(x) ≡ 0 for all x
- a ≡ b (mod n)
Good to know
Don’t mix it up: It resembles ☰ (U+2630, TRIGRAM FOR HEAVEN), which is often used as a menu icon rather than a math symbol.
Tip: On Windows, hold Alt and type 240 on the numeric keypad; in HTML, use ≡.
Display: the character itself is always the same code point, but its shape comes from the font on the device showing it. If you see an empty box, the font lacks this glyph—the text is still correct.
Similar math symbols
Questions
What is the Unicode for ≡?
It is U+2261 (IDENTICAL TO), decimal 8801.
Is there a Windows Alt code for it?
Yes: Alt 240 on the numeric keypad.
How do I type it on a Mac?
There is no built-in Option shortcut. Use the Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space) and search “identical to”, or copy it from this page.
What is the HTML code?
Use the named entity ≡ or the numeric reference ≡.