U+0394\DeltaΔΔ<mi>Δ</mi>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- ∂ — Partial Derivative
Use Δ in the right format
Meaning and usage
Uppercase delta often denotes change, difference, a discriminant, or the Laplacian.
Interpret it from context; lowercase delta may represent a small variation or parameter.
Pronunciation: delta
Formula examples
\Delta x=x_2-x_1\Delta=b^2-4acHow to type Delta
- Windows
- Use Character Map or enter U+0394 in a Unicode-aware app.
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search by name.
- Microsoft Word
- Type \Delta in an equation and press Space.
- iPhone and iPad
- Copy and paste Δ, or use a math/LaTeX app. The standard iOS keyboard may not expose every mathematical symbol.
- Android
- Copy and paste Δ, or use a math keyboard or LaTeX editor. Keyboard layouts vary by device and app.
- Google Docs
- For plain text, paste Δ or use Insert → Special characters. For structured math, use the equation editor and verify \Delta.
- Excel
- Paste Δ into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.
Common mistakes
- Do not substitute a visually similar Latin or differently styled character for Δ; case and mathematical alphabet style can identify different quantities.
- For plain text, copy Δ as U+0394; for structured equations, use \Delta in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Delta.
When to use Δ
- Use Δ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+0394.
- Use \Delta in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Delta is used in greek, calculus, geometry with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- ∂ — Partial Derivative
Font and compatibility notes
Glyph shape can vary by font. Verify the code point after copying, and prefer LaTeX or MathML for structured equations.
Continue the workflow
From Delta to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse Δ in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
\Deltafor LaTeX or the MathML snippet for accessible web equations. - Edit or convertOpen the value in the editor or converter without retyping it.
Review and source notes
Quality tier: specialist
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23
Review method: Catalog review of character identity and notation mappings.
Verified against: Unicode Standard, Unicode mathematical notation guidance, and established LaTeX/MathML syntax.
Reference sources
- The Unicode StandardUnicode Consortium — Character identity, encoding, names, and conformance.
- Unicode Character Code ChartsUnicode Consortium — Code points and official character charts.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Delta symbol mean?
Uppercase delta often denotes change, difference, a discriminant, or the Laplacian.
What is the LaTeX command for Δ?
Use \Delta in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy Δ as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.