Pi Symbol Copy (π Π ∏ ϖ)
Small pi (3.14159)
Unicode U+03C0 · HTML π · Alt code Alt+227 · Mac Option+P
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| π | Small pi (3.14159) | U+03C0 | π | Alt+227 | Option+P | 03C0 then Alt+X |
| Π | Capital pi | U+03A0 | Π | - | - | 03A0 then Alt+X |
| ∏ | Product sign | U+220F | ∏ | - | Option+Shift+P | 220F then Alt+X |
| ϖ | Variant pi | U+03D6 | ϖ | - | - | 03D6 then Alt+X |
The pi symbol π stands for the number you get when you divide the distance around any circle by the distance across it: about 3.14159. Whether the circle is a one-rupee coin or a cricket ground, this ratio stays the same, which is why mathematicians gave it its own letter.
Tap π in the grid to copy it as plain text, or download it as a transparent PNG for a worksheet. Scroll down for the value of pi, the meaning of capital Π and ∏, and the quickest shortcut on each device.
What the Pi Symbol Means in Maths
In school geometry, π connects a circle's radius to its size. These are the formulas where the pi symbol in maths turns up most:
| Shape | Formula |
|---|---|
| Circumference of a circle | C = 2πr |
| Area of a circle | A = πr² |
| Curved surface of a cylinder | 2πrh |
| Volume of a cylinder | πr²h |
| Volume of a sphere | (4/3)πr³ |
| Half turn in radians | π radians = 180° |
The last row matters in trigonometry: sin(π/2) means sin 90°. Angles in these formulas are often named with the theta symbol θ.
Value of Pi: 3.14 or 22/7?
Pi is an irrational number. Its decimal digits never end and never repeat: 3.14159265358979... No fraction gives the exact value, so we use close approximations:
- 22/7 = 3.142857..., correct to two decimal places. NCERT books often say "take π = 22/7" because it cancels nicely with radii like 7, 14 or 21 cm.
- 3.14: handy when the radius is not a multiple of 7.
- 355/113: a much closer fraction, correct to six decimal places.
Worked example: a round table top has radius 7 cm. Its circumference is 2 × 22/7 × 7 = 44 cm and its area is 22/7 × 7 × 7 = 154 cm². Only use the value the question asks for, because 3.14 and 22/7 give slightly different answers.
Fun fact: 14 March is celebrated as Pi Day in many schools, because the date written month-first is 3/14.
Pi Symbol in Keyboard, Word and Excel
| Where | How to get π |
|---|---|
| Windows (any app) | Num Lock on, hold Alt, type 227 on the number keypad |
| Mac | Option+P |
| Microsoft Word | Type 03C0, then press Alt+X |
| Word equation | Insert > Equation, type \pi and press Space |
| Google Docs | Insert > Special characters, search "pi" |
| Android | Not on most keyboards; copy from this page or add a Greek keyboard |
| iPhone | Add a Greek keyboard in Settings, or copy it here |
Pi symbol in Excel
For calculations, do not type π at all. Use the built-in function =PI(), which returns 3.14159265358979. For example, =PI()*A2^2 gives the area of a circle whose radius is in cell A2. To show the letter π as a label in a cell, use Alt+227, Insert > Symbol, or the formula =UNICHAR(960).
Laptop without a number pad? The Alt codes guide lists other options, or simply copy the pi symbol text from the box above.
Capital Pi Π and the Product Symbol ∏
Capital pi Π is the Greek letter itself. Its maths cousin, ∏ (n-ary product), works like the sigma symbol but multiplies instead of adds:
∏ i from i = 1 to 4 = 1 × 2 × 3 × 4 = 24.
On a Mac, Option+Shift+P gives ∏. In Word, type 220F then Alt+X. The fourth character, ϖ, is a rare variant form of small pi found in some specialised texts; for ordinary maths always use π.
Pi Symbol Mathematics Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing "n" instead of π: on a phone, n looks close, but a teacher or a search engine will read it as the letter n.
- Calling 22/7 the exact value: it is only an approximation. π is not a fraction.
- Mixing up π the number and π in chemistry: a pi bond (π bond) is a type of chemical bond, unrelated to 3.14.
- Using Symbol font: in old Word files, the letter p in Symbol font shows as π. If you copy it to another app it turns back into p. The Unicode π from this page stays correct everywhere.
See all 24 letters on the Greek letters page, or more operators on the math symbols page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the symbol of pi?
The symbol of pi is π, the small form of the 16th Greek letter. Its capital form Π is used less often, mainly in Greek text.
How do I type the pi symbol in Word?
Type 03C0 and press Alt+X straight after it. You can also use Alt+227 on the number keypad, or Insert > Equation and type \pi.
Why do we take π as 22/7?
22/7 is a simple fraction that is very close to pi (3.1428 compared with 3.1416). It makes hand calculations easy when the radius is a multiple of 7, which is why many textbook questions use it.
Is there a pi key on a laptop keyboard?
No standard laptop has a pi key. On a Mac use Option+P. On Windows use Alt+227 with a number pad, or copy π from this page.
Who first used π for this number?
The letter was popularised for the circle ratio in the 18th century, notably by the mathematician Leonhard Euler. The ratio itself was studied much earlier, including by Aryabhata in India, who gave a close value.