Type the Pi Symbol

Typing π on your keyboard can be almost as challenging as using π in an equation. But typing the π symbol isn't as hard as it seems, whether you have a Mac or a PC. If you want to know how to type π in a few seconds or less, just follow these easy steps.

Steps

Type the Pi Symbol on a Mac

  1. Hold the ⌥ Option key. You can find this key on the bottom right of your keyboard, just to the left of the left arrow.
  2. Press the P key. This should make the π symbol instantly appear.
  3. Release both buttons.

Type the Pi Symbol a PC

  1. Press the Num ⇩ key. You can find this button on the right or left side of your keyboard.
  2. Hold down the Alt key. You can find this button on the bottom right and left row of your keyboard, to the left and right of the Spacebar.
  3. Type in 227 using the Number Pad. The Number Pad will consist of a block of the numbers from 0-9 and you can typically find it to the right of your keyboard. You can also use 960.
  4. Release the Alt key. Once you're done typing the numbers and have released the Alt key, you will produce the symbol π.
  5. Turn off Num ⇩. Press the key again to turn it off. This will return your keyboard to its previous settings.

Type the Pi Symbol On a Laptop

  1. Press the Num ⇩ key. Many laptops have a "hidden" keypad that is enabled when you turn on the Num ⇩ key. Find this option to the left or right of your keyboard.
    • If your keyboard has these features, then you'll see little numbers or words written in small font on the bottom of the keys, sometimes in a different color.
  2. Hold down the Alt key. You can find it on either side of your Spacebar.
  3. Type in 227 using the Alt Codes. This is the Alt Code for π. Remember to use the Alt Codes, which are nine numbers that are written on the side of your 7, 8, 9, U, I, O, J, K, L, and M keys in a different color, such as light blue or yellow. Do not use the normal number system to type in this code.
    • On most keyboards, this code will come from typing KK7 or 9OM, but you should look at the actual Alt codes to be sure.
  4. Release the Alt key. The pi symbol should appear.
  5. Turn off Num ⇩. Press the key again to turn it off. This will return your keyboard to its normal settings.

Copy π from the Internet

  1. Find the π symbol on the Internet. Just search pi and it should come up quickly. You can also just use the symbol on this page.
  2. Highlight the π symbol. Just click your mouse as you set the cursor next to the symbol and drag it across the symbol to highlight it.
  3. Copy the π symbol. You can do this just by pressing Ctrl+C.
  4. Click on the place where you want to use the symbol. This could be in a Word Document, email, or anywhere else.
  5. Paste the symbol into your desired location. Just press the Ctrl+V and the π symbol should appear.

Type ╥ on a PC - Smaller and Lower

This method for typing the pi symbol results in a slightly different symbol from methods mentioned above. It is smaller and lower in comparison to the rest of the text.

  1. Make sure the number pad is enabled. If it is not, press the "Num Lock" key on your number pad to enable it. Your number pad is usually to the right of the main part of the keyboard.
  2. Hold the "Alt" key. You can find this button on the bottom right and left row of your keyboard, to the left and right of the spacebar.
  3. On your number pad, type "210".
  4. Release the "Alt" key. The symbol will appear.
    • Optional: Press the "Num Lock" key to disable your number pad.

Type ╥ on a word document

But this method to type the pi symbol is the easiest you have ever seen.

  1. Open a word document, in a word processor. LibreOffice, OpenOffice or Microsoft Office will all work.
  2. Change the font to "Symbol."
  3. Type a "p." That is the end. Simple.



Tips

  • Try it the old-fashioned way - copy this π and paste it into your document.
  • Try checking out other Alt codes to learn what else you can do on your keyboard.
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