# Not-equal operation

Learn how to check if a value is not equal to another.

The not equal operation checks whether two values are different. Unlike relational operations, it works on any value, not just values that have a concept of order.

To check whether two values are different, place the `!=` operator between them:

```cql
/*<operand>*/ != /*<operand>*/
```

Here's a practical example involving strings:

```cql
"hello" != "Hello" // true
```

And another one involving numbers:

```cql
1 != 1.1 // true
```

Although there is no natural language equivalent to the `!=` operator, you can use the [`not equal to`](/reference/cql/expressions/tests/comparison/equal) test for a more natural reading:

```cql
/*<operand>*/ is not equal to /*<operand>*/
```

Note that operations and tests may differ in their behavior and precedence. Please refer to the documentation of each specific operation and test for more information.