Math Symbols List — Complete Guide with Copy Paste and Meanings
Complete list of math symbols with meanings, Unicode codes, and copy-paste support. Algebra, calculus, set theory, logic, and Greek math symbols explained.
Math symbols are everywhere — textbooks, spreadsheets, programming, scientific papers, even social media. But most people only know the basics: plus, minus, equals. There are hundreds of mathematical symbols in Unicode, and knowing what they mean (and how to type them) is surprisingly useful.
This guide covers every commonly used math symbol, organized by category. Each symbol includes its meaning, Unicode code point, and a copy-paste version you can use anywhere.
Basic Arithmetic Symbols
These are the foundation. You use them daily in calculations, spreadsheets, and basic math.
| Symbol | Name | Meaning | Unicode |
|---|---|---|---|
| + | Plus | Addition | U+002B |
| − | Minus | Subtraction | U+2212 |
| × | Multiplication | Multiply | U+00D7 |
| ÷ | Division | Divide | U+00F7 |
| = | Equals | Equal to | U+003D |
| ≠ | Not equal | Not equal to | U+2260 |
| ± | Plus-minus | Plus or minus (tolerance) | U+00B1 |
| &percent; | Percent | Per hundred | U+0025 |
| ‰ | Per mille | Per thousand | U+2030 |
Comparison and Relational Symbols
Used to compare values. Essential for algebra, programming, and data analysis.
| Symbol | Name | Meaning | Unicode |
|---|---|---|---|
| < | Less than | Smaller than | U+003C |
| > | Greater than | Larger than | U+003E |
| ≤ | Less than or equal | Smaller or equal | U+2264 |
| ≥ | Greater than or equal | Larger or equal | U+2265 |
| ≈ | Approximately equal | Roughly equal | U+2248 |
| ≡ | Identical to | Exactly equivalent | U+2261 |
| ∝ | Proportional to | Proportional | U+221D |
| ∼ | Tilde / similar to | Similar | U+223C |
Algebra and Set Theory Symbols
Core symbols for algebra, set operations, and abstract mathematics.
| Symbol | Name | Meaning | Unicode |
|---|---|---|---|
| ∑ | Summation | Sum of a series | U+2211 |
| ∏ | Product | Product of a series | U+220F |
| ∈ | Element of | Belongs to a set | U+2208 |
| ∉ | Not an element of | Not in a set | U+2209 |
| ⊆ | Subset or equal | Contained in | U+2286 |
| ⊇ | Superset or equal | Contains | U+2287 |
| ∪ | Union | Combine sets | U+222A |
| ∩ | Intersection | Common elements | U+2229 |
| ∅ | Empty set | Set with nothing | U+2205 |
| ∀ | For all | Universal quantifier | U+2200 |
| ∃ | There exists | Existential quantifier | U+2203 |
Calculus and Analysis Symbols
Symbols from differential and integral calculus — the language of change and accumulation.
| Symbol | Name | Meaning | Unicode |
|---|---|---|---|
| ∫ | Integral | Integration | U+222B |
| ∇ | Nabla / Del | Gradient operator | U+2207 |
| ∂ | Partial differential | Partial derivative | U+2202 |
| ∞ | Infinity | Without bound | U+221E |
| dx, dy | Differential | Infinitesimal change | Text |
| lim | Limit | Approaches a value | Text |
Logic Symbols
Used in mathematical logic, computer science, and formal proofs.
| Symbol | Name | Meaning | Unicode |
|---|---|---|---|
| ∧ | Logical AND | Both true | U+2227 |
| ∨ | Logical OR | Either true | U+2228 |
| ¬ | Logical NOT | Negation | U+00AC |
| ∴ | Therefore | Consequently | U+2234 |
| ∵ | Because | Since | U+2235 |
| → | Implies | If...then | U+2192 |
| ↔ | If and only if | Biconditional | U+2194 |
| ⊢ | Proves | Derivable from | U+22A2 |
Geometry Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Meaning | Unicode |
|---|---|---|---|
| ∠ | Angle | Angular measure | U+2220 |
| ⊥ | Perpendicular | At right angles | U+22A5 |
| ∥ | Parallel | Parallel lines | U+2225 |
| ° | Degree | Angle/temperature | U+00B0 |
| √ | Square root | Root of a number | U+221A |
| π | Pi | 3.14159... | U+03C0 |
Common Greek Math Letters
Greek letters are used extensively in mathematics and science. Here are the ones you will encounter most often.
| Symbol | Name | Common Use | Unicode |
|---|---|---|---|
| α | Alpha | Angles, coefficients | U+03B1 |
| β | Beta | Angles, coefficients | U+03B2 |
| γ | Gamma | Gamma function | U+03B3 |
| δ | Delta | Change, difference | U+03B4 |
| θ | Theta | Angles | U+03B8 |
| λ | Lambda | Wavelength, eigenvalues | U+03BB |
| μ | Mu | Mean, micro prefix | U+03BC |
| σ | Sigma | Standard deviation | U+03C3 |
| τ | Tau | Time constant | U+03C4 |
| φ | Phi | Golden ratio, angles | U+03C6 |
| ω | Omega | Angular velocity, ohms | U+03C9 |
Number and Number Theory Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Meaning | Unicode |
|---|---|---|---|
| ℕ | Natural numbers | {1, 2, 3, ...} | U+2115 |
| ℤ | Integers | {..., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, ...} | U+2124 |
| ℚ | Rational numbers | Fractions | U+211A |
| ℝ | Real numbers | All real values | U+211D |
| ℂ | Complex numbers | a + bi | U+2102 |
| ′ | Prime | Prime number | U+2032 |
| ! | Factorial | n! = n(n-1)...(1) | U+0021 |
How to Type Math Symbols
Most math symbols are not on your keyboard. Here is how to type the common ones:
- Windows: Hold Alt and type the code on the numpad. For example, Alt+0247 gives you the division sign. Or use the Character Map (Win + R, type "charmap").
- Mac: Use the Character Viewer (Ctrl + Command + Space). Search for the symbol by name.
- Microsoft Office: Insert > Symbol > More Symbols. Or use AutoCorrect shortcuts (type "1/2" and it auto-converts).
- Google Docs: Insert > Special Characters. Draw the symbol or search by name.
- LaTeX: Most symbols have LaTeX commands: \alpha, \sum, \int, \infty, etc.
- HTML: Use named entities (&sum;, &infin;) or numeric codes (∑, ∞).
Or just copy-paste from the tables above. That works too.