How to Type the Integral Symbol

Quick answer

The integral symbol is ∫, Unicode U+222B. Copy the character for a standalone label, type \int in LaTeX math mode, or enter \int inside a Microsoft Word equation and press Space. A complete integral normally needs more than the glyph: it may include limits, an integrand, and a differential such as dx.

Copy and code formats

Copying ∫ does not automatically encode the upper limit, lower limit, integrand, or differential. Use an equation format when those parts matter.

Type the integral symbol on Windows

Open Character Map, choose a font with mathematical operators, search for “integral,” then copy ∫. In applications with Unicode hexadecimal conversion, 222B may convert to the character, but the shortcut varies by application and should be tested rather than assumed.

For a calculation, use the application’s equation editor. A plain character followed by improvised superscripts can look correct while remaining difficult to edit or interpret.

Type it in Microsoft Word

Insert an equation with Alt+=, type \int, and press Space. For a definite integral, enter a structured expression such as:

\int_0^1 x^2 \, dx

Word converts the command in equation mode. Outside an equation, the backslash text may remain literal. Verify that the lower limit is 0, the upper limit is 1, and the differential belongs to the integrand rather than ordinary prose.

Type it on macOS

Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space, search for “integral,” and insert ∫. This is appropriate for a standalone character. In Pages, Keynote, a LaTeX editor, or another equation-aware application, prefer the native equation feature when the integral needs limits, fractions, or several aligned steps.

Write integrals in LaTeX

Use \int inside math delimiters:

\[
\int_0^1 x^2\,dx
\]

For an indefinite integral:

\[
\int f(x)\,dx = F(x) + C
\]

Braces keep multi-character limits together. The small space before dx separates the differential visually from the integrand. Multiple-integral or contour commands may depend on the selected package and renderer.

Use it in HTML and MathML

A literal UTF-8 ∫, ∫, or ∫ is suitable when the page needs only the character. For a complete accessible expression, use MathML or a tested mathematics renderer. Do not assemble limits with absolute positioning or separate spans whose reading order differs from the visual order.

Troubleshoot common failures

If \int appears as text, confirm that you are in Word equation mode or LaTeX math mode. If the limits attach to the wrong token, group them with braces. If copied text becomes a box, check the selected font. If an equation image is the only representation, provide an equivalent text description or structured markup. A missing dx may not cause a rendering error, but it leaves the variable of integration unclear.

Common mistakes

• Treating the glyph alone as a complete definite integral.
• Using a tall letter or image that only resembles ∫.
• Leaving a multi-token limit ungrouped.
• Omitting the differential or using a different variable in the differential.
• Assuming a full LaTeX command set works identically in every browser renderer.

Verify the result

Copy the displayed operator into a code-point inspector and confirm U+222B. For a full expression, read the lower limit, upper limit, integrand, and differential in order. As a mathematical check, evaluate a simple example: ∫₀¹ x² dx should equal 1/3. The rendered notation and the computed result should both match the intended expression.

Choose the input method for this task

For how to type integral symbol, first decide whether the destination needs one searchable Unicode character or a structured equation. Copy the Unicode character for prose, labels, filenames, and search fields. Use the documented LaTeX command or a native equation object when scripts, fractions, limits, or scalable delimiters are part of the expression.

Verify the exact character

1. Paste the result into the real destination, not only a preview field.
2. Inspect the Unicode code point or equation source so a look-alike cannot pass unnoticed.
3. Reopen the exported document and test selection, search, and copy-and-paste behavior.
4. When the symbol has several field-specific meanings, define the intended meaning beside its first use.

Troubleshoot a failed input

If the shortcut remains literal text, confirm that the cursor is inside the correct equation mode. If a missing-glyph box appears, switch to a font with the required character. If export changes the character, compare the source before and after export and use the Unicode value or structured equation source as the reference.