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On the computer keyboard, in addition to the letters of the alphabet and numbers, the most popular symbols are also presented, which are most often used in programs when working with text and other information, including comparison signs – “greater than” and “less than”. But what if you want to insert a “not equal” character that is not physically present on the input device? Let’s see how we can handle this task in Excel.
Note: In excel “not equal” used in two versions:
- “<>” – in formulas and functions;
- “≠” – to visualize information.
Sign “<>”
This sign is used to specify a logical condition in formulas and function arguments. Also, some users, even when displaying information visually, prefer to use this symbol instead of “≠”.
Because both characters (“<" и “>”) that make up the character are presented on the keyboard, all that is required to type them is to press the corresponding keys while holding Shift. Pay attention to the keyboard layout (should be English), in case of an incorrect choice, capital letters will be printed “Б” и “YU”.
If the keyboard suddenly stops working (for example, the batteries are dead), and you urgently need to type a character, you can do the following:
- We stand in the cell in which we want to insert a character. Switch to tab “Insert” and click on the item “Symbols” in the left corner of the program ribbon. In the dropdown list, select “Symbol”.
- A window will appear on the screen through which we can add all kinds of characters to the document, including those not placed on the keyboard. For the convenience of the search, expand the list of available options for the parameter “Kit” and stop at “Basic Latin”. Click on the sign “<", then – by the button “Insert”. Insert in the same way “>”. Close the window when ready.
Note: this method is suitable in exceptional cases when it is necessary to make single edits to the document, because to fully work with information, you need a working keyboard (at least a virtual one).
Symbol “≠”
This symbol in the form of a crossed out character “equals” It is intended only for a beautiful visual design of information. It is not perceived by the program as mathematical, therefore, it cannot be used in formulas.
Because the sign is not represented on the keyboard, it can be found and inserted only through a special window, which we discussed above.
For parameter “Kit” select option – “Mathematical Operators”. Select the sign by clicking the mouse, press the button “Insert”, then close the window.
Conclusion
Thus, there is nothing difficult in putting the “not equal” sign in Excel. First you need to decide on its meaning – mathematical or visual. In the first case, a combination of “less than” and “greater than” signs is used, in the second case, a symbol in the form of a crossed out “equal” sign is used.