approx.
Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Everyday
| Stands for | Approximately |
|---|---|
| Categories | Writing & Everyday |
approx. stands for Approximately, an everyday abbreviation.
Indicates that a number, time or measurement is close to but not exactly as stated. It is common in recipes, estimates, specifications, travel times and informal notes.
Example: The hike is approx. 6 miles round trip and takes about three hours.
Usage notes
In formal prose, "about" or "approximately" is preferred to the abbreviation. Mathematical writing uses the wavy equals sign instead. Avoid redundant phrasings such as "approx. about." The abbreviation can also stand for the adjective "approximate," as in "approx. weight."