The two delta characters are Δ (uppercase) and δ (lowercase). For the fastest answer to how to type delta symbol characters, copy the one you need or use the platform-specific methods below.
Use Δ for the capital Greek letter delta, such as in a math or science formula. Use δ for the small Greek letter. They are different Unicode characters: Δ is U+0394, while δ is U+03B4.
How to type delta symbol: uppercase Δ and lowercase δ
Choose the character based on its case. The uppercase form has straight, wide sides and looks like a triangle: Δ. The lowercase form is rounded and often resembles a small loop with a vertical stroke: δ.
- Uppercase delta: Δ
- Lowercase delta: δ
If the distinction matters in a formula, code sample, or technical document, do not substitute one for the other. Fonts can change their appearance slightly, but the characters remain separate symbols.
Use Windows Alt codes and the lowercase delta alt code
Windows offers several ways to enter delta. The most dependable option depends on the application you are using.
- Use Word’s Unicode shortcut: Type 0394, then press Alt+X for Δ. Type 03B4, then press Alt+X for δ. Word converts the code into the matching character.
- Try decimal Alt codes: In programs that support Unicode decimal entry, hold Alt and type 916 on the numeric keypad for Δ or 948 for δ. Turn on Num Lock first. This method does not work consistently in every Windows text field.
- Use the lowercase delta alt code: Hold Alt and type 235 on the numeric keypad. This older code produces δ in many Windows applications that support the legacy code page, but Word’s 03B4 + Alt+X method is more predictable.
For a visual option, open the Windows Start menu and search for Character Map. Select a font, locate the Greek characters, choose Δ or δ, click Select, choose Copy, and paste the symbol into your document.
Insert delta on Mac, mobile, and document apps
On a Mac, press Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer. Search for delta, select the uppercase or lowercase result, and double-click it to insert the symbol.
You can also enable the Unicode Hex Input keyboard in System Settings under Keyboard and Input Sources. Switch to it, hold Option, and type 0394 for Δ or 03B4 for δ.
On iPhone or iPad, add the Greek keyboard through Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard. Switch to Greek with the globe key; the Shift key changes between uppercase and lowercase letters. On Android with Gboard, add Greek under keyboard languages and switch layouts with the globe key.
In common document editors, use these built-in pickers:
- Microsoft Word: Select Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, then choose a Greek character.
- Google Docs: Select Insert > Special characters and search for delta.
- LibreOffice Writer: Select Insert > Special Character, then search or browse for delta.
How to type a registered trademark symbol
The registered trademark character is ®. It is different from the unregistered trademark abbreviation ™, so use ® only when you need the registered-mark symbol.
- Windows: Hold Alt and type 0174 on the numeric keypad.
- Microsoft Word: Type 00AE, then press Alt+X.
- Mac: Press Option+R.
- Google Docs: Select Insert > Special characters and search for registered trademark.
- Mobile devices: Insert it through a document app’s character picker, or create a text replacement such as (r) that automatically changes to ®.
Copy-paste fallback: Δ, δ, ®