How to type λ on Windows
The fastest method on a full-size keyboard is the Alt code Alt+955.
- Make sure Num Lock is on.
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type 955 on the numeric keypad (the number row will not work).
- Release Alt. The lambda symbol λ appears.
Note: Alt+955 is a Unicode decimal code, not a classic code-page Alt code. It works in Microsoft Word, WordPad and some other apps, but not in Notepad or most browsers. In those apps, copy the symbol from this page instead.
No numeric keypad?
Press Win+. to open the emoji panel, choose the Symbols tab (Ω) and search for "lambda". Or open Character Map from the Start menu, find λ, click Select, then Copy.
How to type λ on a Mac
There is no direct keyboard shortcut for λ on a Mac.
For any symbol, the Character Viewer works: press Control+⌘+Space, type "lambda" in the search box and double-click the result. It will be remembered under Frequently Used.
How to type λ on iPhone and iPad
The iOS keyboard does not include λ, so the reliable way is to copy it from this page, then press and hold in any text field and tap Paste.
If you use it often, create a shortcut: open Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement, paste λ in the Phrase field and type a short code such as ;lambda in the Shortcut field. Typing that code will then insert λ anywhere.
How to type λ on Android
Copy the symbol from this page, then long-press in a text field and choose Paste. Gboard also keeps a clipboard history: tap the clipboard icon on the toolbar to paste it again later.
For a permanent shortcut, open Gboard settings → Dictionary → Personal dictionary, add λ as the word and a short code as the shortcut.
How to type λ in Microsoft Word
- Type the Unicode hex code 03BB where you want the symbol.
- Press Alt+X. Word converts the code into λ.
This works on Windows in Word, Outlook and OneNote and needs no numeric keypad. You can also go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols, set the font to a Unicode font and type 03BB in the Character code box. In Excel, the formula =UNICHAR(955) returns the symbol.
How to type λ in Google Docs
Open Insert → Special characters, then either search for "lambda" or draw the symbol in the sketch box. Click the result to insert it. In Google Sheets, use =CHAR(955).
λ in HTML, CSS and code
| Format | Code |
|---|---|
| HTML entity | λ |
| HTML decimal | λ |
| HTML hex | λ |
CSS content | "\03BB" |
| JavaScript | "\u03BB" |
| Python | "\u03BB" |
| LaTeX | \lambda |
| URL encoded | %CE%BB |
Because λ is a standard Unicode character (U+03BB), you can also paste it directly into any UTF-8 file. The escaped forms above are only needed when the file encoding is uncertain or the symbol must be entered on a keyboard without it.
Where the lambda symbol is used
Scientists write λ for wavelength, as in "λ = 500 nm" for visible light, and physicists use it in decay equations and eigenvalue problems. Programmers use lambda for anonymous functions, like "lambda x: x*2" in Python. It's distinct from the uppercase Λ and shouldn't be confused with the letter A.
Frequently asked questions
What does lambda mean in math? +
In math and physics, λ commonly represents wavelength, eigenvalues, or a decay constant, depending on the context of the equation.
Why is lambda used for functions in programming? +
Lambda calculus, a formal system from mathematical logic, used λ to define functions, and programming languages later adopted the term and symbol for anonymous functions.
What is the Alt code for the lambda symbol? +
The Alt code for λ is Alt+955. Hold Alt, type 955 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. This is a Unicode code, so it works in Word and WordPad but not in every app; in other apps paste the symbol instead.
How do I type λ on a Mac? +
There is no dedicated Mac shortcut for λ. Open the Character Viewer with Control + Command + Space, search for "lambda", and double-click it. Or copy it from this page.
How do I type the lambda symbol on iPhone or Android? +
Phone keyboards do not include λ by default. Copy it from this page and paste it, or add it as a text replacement shortcut in Settings so you can type it with a short abbreviation.
What is the HTML code for λ? +
Use λ in HTML. The numeric form λ works too. In CSS use content: "\03BB" and in JavaScript use "\u03BB".