How to Type the Delta Symbol (Δ) in Word, Excel, Mac & More

The Delta symbol (Δ or δ) is one of the most widely used Greek letters in math, science, and engineering. Whether you’re writing an equation in Microsoft Word, adding a formula in Excel, or labeling a change in a physics assignment, knowing how to type the Delta symbol can save time and improve clarity.

But here’s the catch: unlike letters and numbers, the Delta symbol isn’t directly available on your keyboard. So, how do you type it?

In this guide, you’ll learn how to insert the Delta symbol in Word, Excel, Mac, and even Google Docs—using keyboard shortcuts, Alt codes, insert menus, and simple copy-and-paste tricks. Whether you need the uppercase Delta (Δ) or the lowercase delta (δ), we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive in!

Delta Symbol Quick Reference

Here’s a quick guide to help you type or insert the Delta symbol (Δ or δ) across different platforms and tools. Use this as a reference whenever you need to work with Delta in Word, Excel, Mac, or elsewhere, with keyboard shortcuts.

Platform	Method	Shortcut / Code	Works In
Windows	Alt Code (Uppercase Δ)	Alt + 30	Excel, Notepad, etc.
Windows	Alt Code (Lowercase δ)	Alt + 235	Excel, Notepad, etc.
Word (Windows)	Unicode Shortcut (Δ)	0394, then Alt + X	Word only
Word (Windows)	Unicode Shortcut (δ)	03B4, then Alt + X	Word only
Mac	Keyboard Shortcut (Δ)	Option + J	Word, Pages, Notes, etc.
Word / Excel	Insert > Symbol Dialog	Find Delta in “Greek and Coptic”	Word, Excel
Google Docs	Special Characters Tool	Search or draw “Delta”	Google Docs
Any	Copy and Paste	Δ or δ	Universal

💡 Tip: Use uppercase Delta (Δ) for concepts like change in value or in scientific writing. Use lowercase delta (δ) for small changes or variables in math and physics.

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🧮 Method 1: Typing the Delta Symbol Using Alt Codes (Windows Only)

If you’re using a Windows PC and have a numeric keypad, you can quickly type the Delta symbol using Alt codes. This method works in many applications like Microsoft Excel, Notepad, and even your browser.

🔹 For Uppercase Delta (Δ):

1. Place your cursor where you want to insert the symbol.
2. Make sure Num Lock is turned on.
3. Hold down the Alt key.
4. While holding Alt, type 30 using the numeric keypad.
5. Release the Alt key. The Δ symbol will appear.

🔹 For Lowercase Delta (δ):

1. Place the insertion point where you want the symbol.
2. Ensure Num Lock is active.
3. Press and hold the Alt key.
4. Type 235 using the numeric keypad.
5. Release the Alt key. The δ symbol will be inserted.

⚠️ Note: This method only works with a physical numeric keypad. It won’t work with the number row at the top of the keyboard or most virtual keypads on laptops.

✅ When to Use This Method:

• You frequently use Delta in Excel or basic text editors.
• You’re not working inside Word or Google Docs.
• You want a quick, universal keyboard-based solution.

📘 Method 2: Using Unicode + Alt + X (Word Only)

If you’re using Microsoft Word on Windows, there’s a convenient way to insert special characters using their Unicode values followed by Alt + X. This method is exclusive to Word and Outlook (it won’t work in Excel or other apps).

🔹 For Uppercase Delta (Δ):

1. Click where you want to insert the symbol in your Word document.
2. Type the Unicode: 0394
3. Press Alt + X on your keyboard.
4. The code will instantly convert into the Δ symbol.

🔹 For Lowercase Delta (δ):

1. Place your cursor where the delta symbol should appear.
2. Type 03B4
3. Press Alt + X
4. Word will convert the code into δ

🧠 Tip: Don’t press space or enter after the Unicode. Just press Alt + X immediately after typing the numbers.

✅ When to Use This Method:

• You’re working inside Microsoft Word (or Outlook).
• You don’t have a numeric keypad (works without Num Lock).
• You want precision and flexibility with Unicode symbols.

This method is especially useful when you’re inserting multiple symbols into structured documents like academic papers, reports, or technical manuals.

🍏 Method 3: Typing the Delta Symbol on Mac (Using Keyboard Shortcut)

If you’re using a Mac, inserting the Delta symbol is quick and effortless thanks to a built-in keyboard shortcut. This works across most macOS applications, including Microsoft Word, Pages, Notes, and even in some browsers.

🔹 For Uppercase Delta (Δ):

1. Place your cursor where you want the Delta symbol.
2. Press Option + J on your keyboard.
3. The Δ symbol will appear instantly.

⚠️ This shortcut inserts the uppercase Greek Delta only. There’s no default shortcut for lowercase delta (δ), but you can still insert it using the Character Viewer (explained below) or by copying and pasting.

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🧰 Alternative Method (3) on Mac: Using the Character Viewer

If you prefer a visual method or need the lowercase delta (δ):

1. Click into your document where you want the symbol.
2. Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer.
3. In the search bar, type delta.
4. You’ll see both uppercase Δ and lowercase δ in the list.
5. Double-click the one you want to insert.

✅ When to Use These Methods:

• You’re on macOS.
• You want quick access to Greek symbols without switching apps.
• You’re typing in Word, Pages, or any Mac-supported editor.

Let me know when you’re ready for Method 4: Using the Symbol Dialog in Word or Excel.

📎 Method 4: Using the Symbol Dialog in Word or Excel

If you’re not into memorizing codes or shortcuts, the Symbol dialog box in Word or Excel offers a reliable, visual way to insert the Delta symbol (both uppercase and lowercase).

This method works great for those who prefer clicking through options or are unsure of the keyboard shortcuts.

🔹 Steps in Microsoft Word or Excel:

1. Open your document or worksheet.
2. Place the cursor where you want to insert the Delta symbol.
3. Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon.
4. Click on Symbol (far-right group), then select More Symbols…🔹 Find the Delta Symbol:
   • In the Font dropdown, select (normal text) or Symbol (for stylized Delta).
   • In the Subset dropdown (upper-right), choose Greek and Coptic.
   • Scroll through the symbols until you find:
     • Δ for uppercase Delta
     • δ for lowercase Delta
   • Click on the symbol you want, then click Insert.
   • Finally, click Close to exit the dialog box.

   🔹 Pro Tip:

   Once inserted, the Delta symbol becomes part of your recently used symbols, so inserting it next time will be even faster.

   ✅ When to Use This Method:

   • You prefer a visual approach over keyboard shortcuts.
   • You’re inserting the symbol occasionally and don’t want to memorize anything.
   • You’re working in Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.

   📋 Method 5: Copy and Paste the Delta Symbol (Δ or δ)

   This is by far the easiest and fastest way to insert the Delta symbol — no codes, no shortcuts, no setup.

   🔹 Copy from below:

   Uppercase Delta (Δ): Δ
   Lowercase Delta (δ): δ

   You can copy either symbol and paste it into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, email, or any application that supports text.

   🔹 How to Do It:

   1. Highlight the symbol (like Δ or δ).
   2. Press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) to copy. (You can also use the provided copy button)
   3. Move to where you want the symbol inserted.
   4. Press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac) to paste.

   🧠 Why this method rocks: It works anywhere — even in tools that don’t support Alt codes or Unicode (like some web editors, chat boxes, or forms).

   ✅ When to Use This Method:

   • You don’t need to insert the symbol frequently.
   • You’re working in online tools or basic text editors.
   • You want a quick, no-hassle solution.

   ✨ Method 6: Using AutoCorrect in Microsoft Word

   If you frequently type the Delta symbol (Δ or δ), setting up an AutoCorrect shortcut can save you a lot of time. This method allows you to type a custom code (like DELTASYM) and have Word automatically replace it with the Delta symbol.

   

   🔹 Steps to Set Up AutoCorrect:

   1. Open Microsoft Word.
   2. Go to the Insert tab > click Symbol > then More Symbols.
   3. In the Symbol dialog, locate and select the Delta symbol:
      • In the Subset dropdown, choose Greek and Coptic.
      • Select either Δ (uppercase) or δ (lowercase).
   4. Click the AutoCorrect… button.

   🔹 Configure the AutoCorrect:

   • In the Replace box, type a shortcut code you’ll remember — e.g., DELTASYM.
   • In the With box, the Delta symbol should already appear (if not, paste or type it).
   • Click Add, then OK, and close all dialogs.

   

   Now, whenever you type DELTASYM and press space or enter, Word will automatically convert it to Δ.

   ⚠️ Notes:

   • AutoCorrect is case-sensitive. Typing deltasym won’t work unless you also set that version.
   • If you type something like XDELTASYM, Word won’t convert it. You’ll need to type a space or punctuation after the code to trigger it.

   ✅ When to Use This Method:

   • You type Delta symbols regularly in Word.
   • You prefer to use easy-to-remember shortcuts.
   • You want to automate the process for speed and accuracy.

   🧪 Method 7: Using the Symbol Font (Word Only)

   Microsoft Word includes a special font called Symbol, which maps English letters to Greek characters. This method lets you type a regular letter and convert it to a Delta symbol by applying the Symbol font.

   🔹 How It Works:

   The uppercase Delta (Δ) is the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet. So, in the Symbol font:

   • Typing D (uppercase English D) becomes Δ (Greek Delta)
   • Typing d (lowercase English d) becomes δ (Greek delta)

   🔹 Steps:

   1. Type the letter D (for uppercase Delta) or d (for lowercase delta).
   2. Select the letter.
   3. Go to the Home tab.
   4. In the Font dropdown, select Symbol.

   

   The character will immediately change into the Delta symbol.

   🧠 Why Use This Method?

   • It’s fast once you get used to it.
   • You don’t need to remember codes or use a dialog box.

   ⚠️ Limitations:

   • This method only works in Microsoft Word (not Excel, PowerPoint, or web-based editors).
   • It’s not ideal for online publishing or copy-pasting to other apps — the font formatting might break, showing “D” instead of “Δ”.

   ✅ When to Use This Method:

   • You’re preparing Word documents for print.
   • You want a fast and simple way to insert Greek symbols without using the Symbol dialog or shortcuts.

   🎁 Bonus Tips: Typing the Delta Symbol in Other Apps

   Whether you’re working in Google Docs, Excel, on a Mac, or even on mobile, here’s how to type or insert the Delta symbol across different environments:

   📄 Google Docs

   Method 1: Insert Special Characters

   1. Go to Insert > Special characters.
   2. In the search box, type “delta”.
   3. Click the Δ or δ symbol to insert.

   Method 2: Drawing the Symbol

   1. In the Insert > Special characters dialog, click the drawing box.
   2. Use your mouse to draw a triangle shape or Greek delta.
   3. Google will match it and suggest the Delta symbol.

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   💻 Mac Keyboard Shortcut

   To type the Delta symbol on a Mac:

   • Use Option + J for uppercase Delta (Δ).
   • For lowercase delta (δ), use the Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space) and search for “delta”.

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   📱 On Mobile Devices

   iPhone / iPad:

   • Use a third-party keyboard that supports Greek characters (like Gboard or Symbol Keyboard).
   • Or, copy and paste the symbol Δ from a website or note.

   Android:

   • Enable Greek language input in keyboard settings.
   • Use symbol-based keyboards or copy-paste the symbol as needed.

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   🌐 HTML / Web

   If you’re coding or writing on the web, use these HTML codes:

   • Uppercase Delta: Δ → Δ
   • Lowercase delta: δ → δ

   ✅ Conclusion

   Typing the Delta symbol (Δ or δ) doesn’t have to be a struggle — whether you’re using Word, Excel, Mac, Google Docs, or even your phone. From keyboard shortcuts and Alt codes to Symbol dialog boxes and AutoCorrect hacks, you now have a complete toolkit for inserting both the uppercase and lowercase Delta symbols wherever and whenever you need them.

   Remember:

   • Use Alt+X or Alt codes for quick input in Word.
   • Use Option+J on Mac for uppercase Delta.
   • Use Insert > Symbol in Excel or Word if you prefer the manual route.
   • And when in doubt? Copy and paste works everywhere.

   No more guesswork — just efficient typing.

   If you found this guide helpful, share it with others who might benefit. And feel free to drop any questions in the comments.