= Equals Sign
Also called: equal sign, equals. The equals sign means "is the same as." Both sides of it have the same value.
How to type =
Press the = key with your right pinky. No Shift needed.
Meaning and fun facts
Robert Recorde invented the = sign in 1557 because he was tired of writing "is equal to." He picked two lines because "no two things can be more equal."
Common uses
- Math answers: 3 + 3 = 6
- Coding: score = 10
- Comparisons in spreadsheets
Fun example: 10 = 5 + 5
Typing tip
The equals sign is the last key on the number row before Backspace, so it is a long stretch for the right pinky. Keep the other fingers anchored on J K L.
= at a glance
| Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Chromebook) | = |
|---|---|
| Phone or tablet | On an iPhone, tap 123 and then #+= to see it. On Android (Gboard), tap ?123 and then =\< if it is not on the first page. |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 61 (hold Alt, type the number on the number pad) |
| Unicode | U+003D |
| HTML code | = |
Quick practice drill
Type the examples below. The keyboard shows which finger and Shift key to use.
Want more? Practice this reach in Lesson 26: Numbers 6 to 0, or warm up with typing practice and Falling Words.
Related symbols
See all symbols in Keyboard Characters and Meanings.
FAQ
What is the = symbol called?
= is called the equals sign. It is also called equal sign, equals.
How do you type equals sign on a keyboard?
Press the = key with your right pinky. No Shift needed.
What does = mean?
The equals sign means "is the same as." Both sides of it have the same value.