Lambda Symbol Copy and Paste (λ Λ)
Small lambda
Unicode U+03BB · HTML λ
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| λ | Small lambda | U+03BB | λ | - | - | 03BB then Alt+X |
| Λ | Capital lambda | U+039B | Λ | - | - | 039B then Alt+X |
| ƛ | Lambda with stroke | U+019B | ƛ | - | - | 019B then Alt+X |
The lambda symbol λ is the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet, and it is one of the most common letters in a physics notebook. Whenever you study a wave, a light ray or a sound wave, its wavelength is almost always written as λ.
You can copy small λ, capital Λ and the rare letter ƛ from the grid above with one tap. Further down you will find what the symbol of lambda means in physics, chemistry and maths, plus simple ways to type it on a laptop or phone.
Lambda Symbol in Physics: Wavelength and More
In school physics, λ stands for wavelength: the distance between two neighbouring crests of a wave. It sits in the famous wave equation:
v = f λ (wave speed = frequency × wavelength). For light, this becomes c = f λ.
Example: a radio wave with frequency 100 MHz travels at about 3 × 10⁸ m/s, so λ = 3 × 10⁸ ÷ 10⁸ = 3 m.
Other places where the lambda symbol in physics appears:
- Decay constant in radioactivity: N = N₀ e^(−λt), and half-life = 0.693 ÷ λ. A bigger λ means the material decays faster.
- Linear charge density (charge per metre of a wire) in electrostatics. Its cousins are σ for surface charge and ρ for volume charge; see the sigma symbol and rho symbol pages.
- de Broglie wavelength: λ = h ÷ p, where h is Planck's constant and p is momentum.
Lambda Symbol in Maths and Computing
The lambda symbol in maths usually means an eigenvalue. If a matrix A and a vector v satisfy A v = λ v, then λ is an eigenvalue of A. Students meet this in engineering maths and linear algebra.
A few more uses:
- Lagrange multiplier: λ is the extra variable used to find the maximum or minimum of a function under a condition.
- Statistics: λ is the average rate in the Poisson distribution (for example, λ = 4 calls per hour).
- Lambda calculus and lambda functions: in computer science, λ marks a small function without a name. Many programming languages borrowed the word "lambda" for such short, unnamed functions.
Capital Lambda Symbol Λ and Lambda Max (λmax)
The capital lambda symbol Λ looks like an upside-down V with no bar. In Indian Class 12 chemistry, Λm is molar conductivity. In cosmology, Λ is the cosmological constant.
The lambda max symbol, written λmax, is used in UV-visible spectroscopy. It is the wavelength at which a substance absorbs light most strongly. In Word, type λ, then "max", select "max" and make it subscript with Ctrl+=.
| Symbol | Usual meaning | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| λ | Wavelength, decay constant | Physics |
| λ | Eigenvalue, Poisson rate | Maths, statistics |
| λmax | Wavelength of maximum absorption | Chemistry |
| Λm | Molar conductivity | Chemistry |
| ƛ | A sound in phonetic writing of some languages | Linguistics |
How to Type the Lambda Symbol in Word and Other Apps
Lambda has no standard Alt code and no Mac Option shortcut, so use one of these methods:
- Lambda symbol in Word: type
03BBand press Alt+X for λ. For capital Λ, type039Bthen Alt+X. Inside a Word equation (Alt+=), typing\lambdaand a space also gives λ. - Google Docs: Insert > Special characters, then search "lambda".
- Windows: press Windows+. to open the emoji panel and look in the symbols tab, or simply copy from this page.
- Mac: press Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer and search "lambda".
- Phone: most phone keyboards do not show Greek letters. Add a Greek keyboard in settings, or bookmark this page for a quick lambda symbol copy.
For web pages, the HTML code λ works in every modern browser. Need a picture for slides? Use the Download PNG button at the top.
Common Mistakes with the Symbol of Lambda
- Using a Latin look-alike. Some people type "^" or an upside-down V to fake Λ. It may look close, but search engines and equation tools will not read it as lambda.
- Mixing up λ and Λ. Small λ is wavelength; capital Λ means molar conductivity or the cosmological constant. Copy the exact one you need from the grid.
- Spelling. Both "lambda" and "lamda" are seen. The official Unicode name is spelled "Lamda", but "lambda" is the everyday English spelling.
- Forgetting units. λ is a length, so always write metres or nanometres: λ = 550 nm, not just 550.
See all 24 letters side by side on our Greek letters page, or compare with the delta symbol and mu symbol.
Frequently asked questions
What is lambda ka symbol?
Lambda ka symbol is λ (small) and Λ (capital). In physics class it is mostly used for wavelength, so when your teacher says "lambda", write λ.
How do I pronounce lambda?
In English it is said "LAM-da", and the b is silent. In modern Greek it sounds closer to "LAHM-tha". Both are understood in an Indian classroom.
What does λ mean for light?
For light, λ is the wavelength. Visible light runs from about 400 nm (violet) to about 700 nm (red). A shorter λ means higher energy.
What number did lambda stand for in Greek numerals?
In the old Greek number system, λ stood for 30. This is only of historical interest today and does not affect its use in science.
Is λ the same as the logical AND sign?
No. The logical AND sign ∧ is a separate maths character that looks like a small capital lambda. Use ∧ for logic and Λ or λ for the Greek letter.