Gamma Symbol γ Copy & Paste: Greek Letter, Physics & Finance

The gamma symbol (γ) is the third letter of the Greek alphabet. It shows up in physics (gamma radiation, Lorentz factor), finance (options gamma), mathematics (gamma function), and engineering. Every variation is below, ready to copy and paste.

All Gamma Symbols

Gamma in Physics

• Gamma radiation (γ): The most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation. Gamma rays are produced by radioactive decay, nuclear explosions, and cosmic events. Paul Villard discovered gamma rays in 1900.
• Lorentz factor (γ): In special relativity, γ = 1/√(1 - v²/c²). This factor describes time dilation, length contraction, and relativistic mass increase as an object approaches the speed of light.
• Surface energy (γ): In thermodynamics, gamma represents surface tension or surface free energy of a material.
• Photon symbol: In particle physics, γ represents the photon (the quantum of light). Particle physicists use this notation universally.
• Gruneisen parameter (γ): Relates thermal properties to elastic properties of materials in solid-state physics.

Gamma in Finance: Options Trading

In options trading, gamma (Γ) measures the rate of change of delta with respect to the underlying asset's price. While delta tells you how much an option's price moves per $1 move in the stock, gamma tells you how much delta itself changes.

• High gamma: Delta changes rapidly — the option's price sensitivity to the stock price shifts quickly. Riskier, but offers more leverage.
• Low gamma: Delta changes slowly — more predictable, less sensitive to stock price movements.
• At-the-money options: Have the highest gamma. The delta can swing from near 0 to near 1 rapidly.
• Deep in/out-of-the-money: Have low gamma. Delta is already near 1 or 0 and does not change much.

Gamma is highest for short-dated options near expiration, which is why weekly options are so volatile. Professional options traders actively manage gamma risk.

Gamma in Mathematics

• Gamma function Γ(z): Extends the factorial to complex numbers. Γ(n) = (n-1)! for positive integers. Used in probability, statistics, and physics.
• Euler-Mascheroni constant (γ): Approximately 0.5772. Defined as the limit of the harmonic series minus the natural logarithm. One of the most important mathematical constants.
• Gamma distribution: A continuous probability distribution used in queuing models, reliability analysis, and Bayesian statistics.

How to Type the Gamma Symbol

Windows

• Microsoft Word: type 03B3 then press Alt+X
• Character Map: search for "gamma"

Mac

• Character Viewer: Control+Command+Space, search "gamma"

Linux

• Press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 03B3, press Enter

iPhone & Android

• iPhone: Add Greek keyboard in Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard > Greek
• Android: Add Greek keyboard via Gboard settings. Or copy from this page.

LaTeX and HTML Codes

Gamma vs Other Greek Letters in Science

• Alpha (α): First letter, used for angular acceleration, alpha particles, and significance levels
• Beta (β): Second letter, used for velocity ratios, beta particles, and financial beta
• Gamma (γ): Third letter, used for gamma rays, Lorentz factor, and the gamma function
• Delta (Δ): Fourth letter, represents change in mathematics and physics