σ²
Unicode
U+03C3 + U+00B2LaTeX
\sigma^2HTML entity
HTML decimal
σ²MathML
<msup><mi>σ</mi><mn>2</mn></msup>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- σ — Population Standard Deviation
Use σ² in the right format
Meaning and usage
Represents the expected squared deviation from the population mean.
Its units are squared; standard deviation returns to the original unit.
Pronunciation: population variance
Formula examples
\sigma^2=E[(X-\mu)^2]How to type Population Variance
- Windows
- Use Character Map or enter U+03C3 + U+00B2 in a Unicode-aware app.
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search by name.
- Microsoft Word
- Type \sigma^2 in an equation and press Space.
- iPhone and iPad
- Copy and paste σ², or use a math/LaTeX app. The standard iOS keyboard may not expose every mathematical symbol.
- Android
- Copy and paste σ², or use a math keyboard or LaTeX editor. Keyboard layouts vary by device and app.
- Google Docs
- For plain text, paste σ² or use Insert → Special characters. For structured math, use the equation editor and verify \sigma^2.
- Excel
- Paste σ² into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.
Common mistakes
- Define σ² near first use because statistical and probability conventions can distinguish sample, population, estimator, and parameter meanings.
- For plain text, copy σ² as U+03C3 + U+00B2; for structured equations, use \sigma^2 in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Population Variance.
When to use σ²
- Use σ² in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+03C3 + U+00B2.
- Use \sigma^2 in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Population Variance is used in statistics with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- σ — Population Standard Deviation
Font and compatibility notes
Font coverage varies; verify the code point and destination rendering before publication.
Continue the workflow
From Population Variance to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse σ² in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
\sigma^2for 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: catalog
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 Population Variance symbol mean?
Represents the expected squared deviation from the population mean.
What is the LaTeX command for σ²?
Use \sigma^2 in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy σ² as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.