Lambda symbol

The lambda symbol λ and its close relatives, with the keyboard shortcut for each one.

Tap to copyGreek small letter lamda
U+03BB

Lambda symbol and related symbols

Click a symbol to copy it, or read across for the shortcut.

SymbolNameCodeHTMLWindowsMacLaTeX
Greek small letter lamdaU+03BBλ\lambda
Greek capital letter lamdaU+039BΛ\Lambda
Latin small letter lambda with strokeU+019Bƛ

Meaning of λ

Lowercase λ stands for wavelength in physics and for anonymous functions in programming. It is also the logo of the Half-Life games.

Common uses: physics, computer science and gaming.

Unicode name
Greek Small Letter Lamda
Code point
U+03BB
Windows
Alt + X in Word
Mac
Character Viewer

Typing λ on any device

Copy and paste

Tap the λ above or any symbol in the table. It goes straight to your clipboard.

Windows

In Word, type 03BB and press Alt + X. Anywhere else, press Windows key + . (period) and search the symbols tab.

Mac

No shortcut? Control + Command + Space opens the Character Viewer; search for greek small letter lamda.

iPhone and Android

Copy it from this page, or set up a text replacement in your keyboard settings so a short code like ;sym turns into the symbol.

HTML

Use λ or λ.

LaTeX

Use \lambda in math mode.

Questions people ask

How do I type λ on a keyboard?

Windows has no Alt code for it; use the symbols tab in the Windows key + . panel. On a Mac, open the Character Viewer with Control + Command + Space.

How do I type λ in Word?

Type 03BB and press Alt + X straight after it. Word turns the code into λ.

What does λ mean?

Lowercase λ stands for wavelength in physics and for anonymous functions in programming. It is also the logo of the Half-Life games.

Where is λ used?

Physics, computer science and gaming.

More symbols

Updated November 13, 2026