Alpha Symbol Copy and Paste (α Α)
Small alpha
Unicode U+03B1 · HTML α · Alt code Alt+224
Tap any symbol to copy it. Each tap also adds it to the box above, so you can copy several together.
Codes for every symbol on this page (Unicode, HTML, Alt, Mac, Word)
| Symbol | Name | Unicode | HTML | Windows Alt code | Mac | MS Word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| α | Small alpha | U+03B1 | α | Alt+224 | - | 03B1 then Alt+X |
| Α | Capital alpha | U+0391 | Α | - | - | 0391 then Alt+X |
| ∝ | Proportional to (not alpha) | U+221D | ∝ | - | - | 221D then Alt+X |
| ɑ | Latin alpha (phonetics) | U+0251 | ɑ | - | - | 0251 then Alt+X |
The alpha symbol α is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and the word "alphabet" itself comes from alpha plus beta. In your textbooks, α most often names an angle, a type of radiation, or a small probability in statistics.
Alpha symbol copy paste is easy: tap α in the grid and it is copied as plain text. If your teacher asks for the "alpha ka symbol", this small α is the one. The grid also includes capital Α, the Latin alpha ɑ used in phonetics, and the proportional sign ∝, which many students confuse with alpha. Each is explained below.
Alpha Particle Symbol and Radiation
An alpha particle is two protons and two neutrons bound together, the same as the nucleus of a helium atom. That is why the alpha particle symbol can be written two ways:
- α (the Greek letter), or
- ⁴₂He (mass number 4, atomic number 2).
When a nucleus gives out an alpha particle, its mass number drops by 4 and its atomic number drops by 2. Alpha particles are stopped by a sheet of paper, which makes them the least penetrating of the three main radiations. The table below compares the alpha beta gamma symbols you need for board exams:
| Radiation | Symbol | What it is | Stopped by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | α | Helium nucleus | Paper |
| Beta | β | Fast electron (or positron) | Thin aluminium |
| Gamma | γ | High-energy light (photon) | Thick lead (reduced, not fully stopped) |
Read more on the beta symbol and gamma symbol pages.
Alpha Symbol in Maths and Physics
- Angles: in geometry and trigonometry, α, β and θ are the usual names for angles, for example "α + β = 90°".
- Roots of a quadratic: α and β are the standard names for the two roots, with α + β = −b/a and αβ = c/a.
- Angular acceleration: in rotational motion, α is the rate of change of angular velocity ω.
- Thermal expansion: α is the coefficient of linear expansion, as in ΔL = αLΔT.
So the alpha symbol in physics and the alpha math symbol mean different things; always read α together with its chapter. The theta symbol page has more on naming angles.
Alpha in Statistics and Finance
In hypothesis testing, α is the significance level: the chance you accept of wrongly rejecting a true claim. α = 0.05 (5%) is the most common choice in college projects.
In investing, "alpha" describes how much a fund did better or worse than its benchmark. This is general information only, not investment advice. In software, an "alpha version" is an early test build released before the beta.
Alpha vs Proportional Sign ∝ vs Latin ɑ
These three are the most common mix-up on this page:
- α is the Greek letter, with a closed loop and a small tail on the right.
- ∝ means "is proportional to", as in F ∝ a. It is open on the right side, like a sideways fish. See the proportional symbol page.
- ɑ is a Latin letter used in the phonetic alphabet for the vowel sound in British "father". Do not use it in maths.
- Α (capital alpha) looks exactly like English A. In Greek text it is correct; in an email ID or URL it would break things.
How to Type the Alpha Symbol in Keyboard and Word
- Windows Alt code: switch on Num Lock, hold Alt and type 224 on the number keypad. This gives α in most apps.
- Alpha symbol in Word: type 03B1 and press Alt+X. Inside Insert > Equation, type \alpha and press Space.
- Excel: use Alt+224 or
=UNICHAR(945). - Mac: there is no Option key shortcut. Open the Character Viewer with Control+Command+Space and search "alpha".
- Google Docs: Insert > Special characters, search "alpha".
- Phone: add a Greek keyboard in your keyboard settings, or tap α in the grid to copy the alpha symbol text.
For capital Α, ∝ and ɑ there is no Alt code; use the Word codes shown in the info table. All Greek letters are listed on the Greek alphabet page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the symbol of alpha?
The small alpha symbol is α and capital alpha is Α. The small form is used in maths and science; the capital looks the same as English A.
What is the symbol of alpha particle?
An alpha particle is written as α or as ⁴₂He, because it is identical to a helium nucleus. Both forms are accepted in board exams.
What is the alpha male symbol?
"Alpha male" is slang for a confident, leading person, and people simply use α in bios or usernames. There is no official alpha male character; the Greek letter is copied as normal text.
How do I type the alpha symbol in keyboard shortcuts on Windows?
Hold Alt and type 224 on the number pad with Num Lock on. On a laptop without a number pad, use Word's 03B1 then Alt+X, or copy α from this page.
Is α the same as the proportional symbol?
No. α is the Greek letter alpha, while ∝ means "is proportional to". They look similar in handwriting, so draw ∝ open on the right.