How to Type the Delta Symbol (Δ δ ∆) on Any Device
Quick answer: small δ is Alt+235 on the Windows numeric keypad. Capital Δ has no Alt code: in Word type 0394 then Alt+X, or \Delta in an equation. On a Mac, Option+J types ∆, the increment sign, which looks almost the same.
Quick reference: every method
Every Alt code below is verified against the real Windows code pages — where none exists we say so, rather than list one that won’t work.
| Char | Name | Windows | Mac | HTML | Word (Alt+X) | Unicode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Δ | Greek Capital Letter Delta | Copy / paste | Copy / paste | Δ |
0394 + Alt+X |
U+0394 |
| δ | Greek Small Letter Delta | Alt+235 |
Copy / paste | δ |
03B4 + Alt+X |
U+03B4 |
| ∆ | Increment | Copy / paste | Option+J |
∆ |
2206 + Alt+X |
U+2206 |
| ∇ | Nabla | Copy / paste | Copy / paste | ∇ |
2207 + Alt+X |
U+2207 |
All methods
| Where | Δ capital delta | δ small delta | ∆ increment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows numpad | none | Alt+235 | none |
| Mac | Character Viewer | Character Viewer | Option + J |
| Word, Outlook | 0394, Alt+X | 03B4, Alt+X | 2206, Alt+X |
| Equation (Word, Docs) | \Delta | \delta | - |
| Excel / Sheets | =UNICHAR(916) | =UNICHAR(948) | =UNICHAR(8710) |
| Linux, Chromebook | Ctrl+Shift+U, 394 | Ctrl+Shift+U, 3b4 | Ctrl+Shift+U, 2206 |
| HTML | Δ | δ | ∆ |
Δ or ∆: which one?
Unicode has two near-identical characters. Δ (U+0394) is the Greek letter; ∆ (U+2206) is the "increment" operator from the maths block. The Mac's Option+J has always produced the increment sign, not the Greek letter. For Greek text and LaTeX-style equations, use Δ; for a simple "change in" sign in plain text, either is understood. Mixing them can break searches (look-alike characters).
What delta means
- Δ in science and maths: change in a quantity (Δt, Δx), the discriminant in some textbooks, and a triangle in geometry.
- δ: small changes, the Kronecker delta, partial charge in chemistry (δ+ and δ−).
- ∇ (nabla) is an upside-down delta used for the gradient: nabla ∇.
On phones
Add the Greek keyboard (Δ and δ are on the D key) or create a text replacement such as ;delta → Δ (how). Or copy it from this page.
More delta-like symbols: delta symbols. All Greek letters: how to type Greek letters. Physics and chemistry use: physics symbols, chemistry symbols.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Alt code for delta?
Small delta δ is Alt+235 on the numeric keypad. Capital Δ has no Alt code; in Word type 0394 and press Alt + X, or copy it.
How do I type delta on a Mac?
Option + J types ∆, the increment sign used for "change in". For the Greek letter Δ, use the Character Viewer or the Greek keyboard.
What is the difference between Δ and ∆?
Δ (U+0394) is the Greek capital letter delta; ∆ (U+2206) is the mathematical increment sign. They look almost the same. Either is understood as "change in", but Greek text and most equation editors use Δ.
How do I type delta in a Word equation?
Press Alt + = to start an equation, type \Delta for Δ or \delta for δ, and press Space.
Looking for something else? Browse 1,000+ copy-paste symbols, the full Alt Codes finder, or the emoji picker.