Partial Differential Symbol

There is no legacy Windows Alt code for Partial Differential because it is not in either the OEM code page 437 or Windows-1252 tables. The Unicode codepoint is U+2202, which you can use as ∂ in HTML, \2202 in CSS, or type with Alt+8706 on Windows (BMP only). If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, use the Character Viewer, the HTML entity, or copy the character directly. Partial Differential is outside both legacy code pages, which is why U+2202 is the identifier that works across Word, HTML, CSS, Python and JavaScript. HTML also defines the named entity ∂ for Partial Differential, but the numeric form ∂ is safer when compatibility is uncertain.

Codes for this symbol

Copy any value by clicking it.
MethodValue
Alt + decimal
Alt + X hex
macOS Option
HTML named entity
HTML decimal
HTML hex
CSS escape
Python escape
JavaScript escape
UTF-8 bytes
Unicode codepoint
Unicode block
Unicode category

Not available for this symbol: legacy Windows Alt code.

How to type partial differential on Windows

  1. Turn Num Lock on so the numeric keypad is active.
  2. Hold the left Alt key.
  3. Type 8 7 0 6 on the numeric keypad for the decimal codepoint 8706.
  4. Release Alt. The Partial Differential character (∂) appears.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, see how to type symbols without a numpad.

How to type partial differential on macOS

On a US keyboard layout, press ⌥D to insert Partial Differential. This shortcut assumes a US layout; other layouts may remap it.

If the shortcut does not work on your layout, open the Character Viewer with ⌃⌘Space, search for "Partial Differential" and click the character.

How to use partial differential in code

  • HTML: or , also
  • CSS: content:"\2202"; ()
  • Python: \u2202 or chr(0x2202)
  • JavaScript: \u2202 or String.fromCodePoint(0x2202)
  • JSON: "\u2202"
  • LaTeX: $\partial$ (math mode)

Frequently asked questions

Is there an Alt code for ∂?

No legacy Alt code exists for Partial Differential because it is not in code page 437 or Windows-1252. Use the Unicode codepoint U+2202 in HTML, CSS or the Character Viewer instead.

How do I type ∂ without a numpad?

Use the Windows Character Viewer (Win+.), the macOS Character Viewer (⌃⌘Space), an HTML entity such as ∂, or copy the character directly from this page.

Why does Alt+8706 not work?

Alt+8706 only works on a keyboard with a physical numeric keypad. It also requires the application to accept the numeric-keypad input path. Laptops without a numpad need an alternative method.

What is the Unicode for Partial Differential?

The Unicode codepoint for Partial Differential is U+2202. You can use this value in HTML as ∂, in CSS as \2202, and in Word with Alt+X.

How do I type ∂ on a Mac?

On a US Mac keyboard, press ⌥D. If that does not work on your layout, open ⌃⌘Space and search for U+2202.