How to Type the Lambda Symbol λ on Keyboard

The lambda symbol looks like this: λ.

Lambda is a Greek letter used in mathematics, physics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, statistics, and academic writing. It is especially common in formulas involving wavelength, functions, eigenvalues, programming, and scientific notation.

You may see lambda in examples like:

λ = 500 nm

λx

λ = 0.5

AWS Lambda

This guide will show you how to type the lambda symbol on Windows, Mac, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Sheets, iPhone, Android, Chromebook, HTML, and web pages.

You can copy and paste the lambda symbol from this page, or you can use the keyboard shortcuts and symbol tools explained below.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: How to Type the Lambda Symbol

The fastest way to type the lambda symbol depends on your device or app.

Device or App	Shortcut or Method	Result
Microsoft Word	Type 03BB, then press Alt + X	λ
Microsoft Word Equation	Type \lambda, then press Space	λ
Excel	Use Insert > Symbol or `=UNICHAR(955)`	λ
Google Docs	Go to Insert > Special characters and search for lambda	λ
Mac	Use Character Viewer or copy and paste	λ
HTML	Use `λ` or `λ`	λ
Unicode	U+03BB	λ

Copy the Lambda Symbol

Click any lambda symbol, Greek letter, or code below to copy it, then paste it into Word, Excel, Google Docs, your website, or any other app.

Lambda symbols

Common lambda examples

Related Greek letters

Web codes for lambda

To copy manually:

Highlight the lambda symbol: λ
Press Ctrl + C on Windows or Command + C on Mac.
Click where you want to insert it.
Press Ctrl + V on Windows or Command + V on Mac.

What Is the Lambda Symbol?

The lambda symbol is a Greek letter.

The lowercase lambda symbol is:

The uppercase lambda symbol is:

Lambda is the eleventh letter of the Greek alphabet. In English, it is written as the word lambda, but in mathematics, science, physics, engineering, and computer science, the symbol λ is commonly used.

You may see lambda in:

Mathematics
Physics
Engineering
Chemistry
Computer science
Statistics
Academic writing
Scientific reports
Programming tutorials

For example:

λ = 500 nm

or:

λ = 2

or:

lambda function

Lambda Symbol Quick Reference

Item	Lowercase Lambda	Uppercase Lambda
Symbol	λ	Λ
Name	Greek small letter lambda	Greek capital letter lambda
Unicode	U+03BB	U+039B
Word Unicode Shortcut	03BB, then Alt + X	039B, then Alt + X
Windows Alt Code	—	—
HTML Entity	`λ`	`Λ`
HTML Decimal Code	`λ`	`Λ`
HTML Hex Code	`λ`	`Λ`
Excel / Google Sheets	`=UNICHAR(955)`	`=UNICHAR(923)`
LaTeX	`\lambda`	`\Lambda`

Important: Lambda does not have a simple, commonly reliable Windows Alt code like some Greek letters do. The best methods are usually copy and paste, Microsoft Word’s 03BB + Alt + X, Insert Symbol, Character Map, or Google Docs Special characters.

Method 1: Copy and Paste the Lambda Symbol

The easiest way to type lambda is to copy and paste it.

Copy this symbol: λ

Then paste it where you need it.

Use:

Ctrl + V on Windows

or:

Command + V on Mac

This method works in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Sheets, email, browsers, websites, and most apps.

Copy uppercase lambda here: Λ

Method 2: Type the Lambda Symbol in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word gives you several reliable ways to insert the lambda symbol.

The best methods are:

Use the Unicode shortcut: 03BB, then Alt + X
Use Insert > Symbol
Use the Equation tool
Copy and paste the symbol

Option A: Use the Word Unicode Shortcut

This is one of the best ways to type the lambda symbol in Microsoft Word on Windows.

The Unicode for lowercase lambda is:

03BB

Steps

Open Microsoft Word.
Click where you want the lambda symbol.
Type 03BB.
Press Alt + X.

Word will convert 03BB into: λ

For uppercase lambda

The Unicode for uppercase lambda is: 039B

To type uppercase lambda in Word:

Type 039B.
Press Alt + X.

You should get: Λ

Option B: Use Insert Symbol in Word

You can also insert lambda from Word’s Symbol menu.

Steps

Open Microsoft Word.
Click where you want the lambda symbol.
Go to the Insert tab.
Click Symbol.
Click More Symbols if needed.
In the font box, choose normal text or a common font.
In the subset box, choose Greek and Coptic.
Find and select λ.
Click Insert.
Click Close.

This method is good if you do not want to remember any code.

Tip: After you insert lambda once, Word may show it under recently used symbols, making it easier to insert again later.

Option C: Use the Equation Tool in Word

If you are writing a formula, the Equation tool may be the best option.

Steps

Open Microsoft Word.
Go to the Insert tab.
Click Equation.
Type \lambda inside the equation box.
Press Space.

Word should convert it into: λ

This method is especially useful when lambda is part of a mathematical or scientific equation.

Example

Type this inside a Word equation:

\lambda

Then press Space.

You get: λ

For uppercase lambda in an equation

Inside a Word equation, type:

\Lambda

Then press Space.

You should get: Λ

Method 3: Type the Lambda Symbol in Excel

You can insert the lambda symbol in Excel using several methods.

The easiest options are:

Copy and paste λ
Use Insert > Symbol
Use the UNICHAR function in formulas

Option A: Copy and Paste in Excel

The easiest method is to copy the symbol from this page: λ

Then paste it into Excel using:

Ctrl + V on Windows

or:

Command + V on Mac

Option B: Use Insert Symbol in Excel

Click the cell where you want the lambda symbol.
Go to the Insert tab.
Click Symbol.
In the subset box, choose Greek and Coptic.
Select λ.
Click Insert.
Close the Symbol window.

This is a reliable method if you do not want to copy and paste.

Option C: Use the UNICHAR Function in Excel

In Excel, you can also use the UNICHAR function.

The Unicode decimal number for lowercase lambda is: 955

So you can type this formula into a cell:

=UNICHAR(955)

This returns: λ

For uppercase lambda, use:

=UNICHAR(923)

This returns: Λ

This method is useful if you want Excel to generate the symbol as part of a formula.

Option D: Add Lambda After Text in Excel

If you want to add lambda after text in a cell, you can simply type or paste it.

Example:

Wavelength λ = 500 nm

To add it to existing text:

Double-click the cell, or select the cell and press F2.
Move your cursor to where you want the symbol.
Insert lambda using copy/paste, Insert Symbol, or UNICHAR.
Press Enter.

Method 4: Type the Lambda Symbol in PowerPoint

PowerPoint supports the same basic methods as Word and Excel.

You can use:

Copy and paste
Insert > Symbol
Equation tool, if you are creating a formula

Use Copy and Paste in PowerPoint

Copy this symbol: λ

Then paste it inside your PowerPoint text box.

Use Insert Symbol in PowerPoint

Click inside your text box.
Go to Insert.
Click Symbol.
Choose Greek and Coptic from the subset list.
Select λ.
Click Insert.

Use Equation in PowerPoint

If you are writing a formula:

Go to Insert.
Click Equation.
Type \lambda.
Press Space.

PowerPoint should convert it into: λ

Method 5: Type the Lambda Symbol on Mac

Mac does not have a simple universal keyboard shortcut for lambda in every app.

The easiest methods on Mac are:

Copy and paste λ
Use Character Viewer
Use the Equation tool in Word or PowerPoint
Use a text replacement shortcut

Option A: Copy and Paste on Mac

Copy this symbol: λ

Then paste it where you need it using:

Command + V

Option B: Use Character Viewer on Mac

Mac has a built-in Character Viewer that lets you search for Greek letters and symbols.

Steps

Click where you want the lambda symbol.
Press Control + Command + Space.
The Character Viewer will open.
Search for lambda.
Double-click λ to insert it.

You can also search for Greek and browse the Greek letters.

Option C: Create a Text Replacement Shortcut on Mac

If you type lambda often, you can create a shortcut.

For example:

lambdax → λ

Steps

Open System Settings.
Go to Keyboard.
Find Text Replacements.
Add a new replacement.
In the shortcut field, type lambdax.
In the replacement field, paste λ.
Save it.

Now, when you type lambdax, your Mac can replace it with λ.

Use a shortcut that you do not normally type by accident.

Method 6: Type the Lambda Symbol in Google Docs

Google Docs makes it easy to insert the lambda symbol using Special characters.

Option A: Use Insert Special Characters

Open Google Docs.
Click where you want the lambda symbol.
Go to Insert.
Click Special characters.
In the search box, type lambda.
Click the λ symbol.

Google Docs will insert lambda into your document.

Option B: Draw the Symbol in Google Docs

Google Docs also allows you to draw a symbol in the Special characters window.

Go to Insert > Special characters.
Use the drawing box on the right side.
Draw a shape similar to λ.
Choose the lambda symbol from the results.

This is useful if you know what the symbol looks like but do not know its name.

Option C: Copy and Paste in Google Docs

Copy this symbol: λ

Then paste it into Google Docs using:

Ctrl + V on Windows

or:

Command + V on Mac

Option D: Create a Lambda Shortcut in Google Docs

If you type lambda often, you can create a substitution.

For example:

lambdax → λ

Steps

Open Google Docs.
Go to Tools.
Click Preferences.
Go to Substitutions.
Add your shortcut in the left box, such as lambdax.
Paste λ in the right box.
Click OK.

Now Google Docs can replace your shortcut with the lambda symbol.

Method 7: Type the Lambda Symbol in Google Sheets

Google Sheets does not have the same Special characters menu as Google Docs in the same way, so the easiest method is usually copy and paste.

Copy and paste method

Copy this symbol: λ
Open Google Sheets.
Click the cell where you want it.
Press Ctrl + V or Command + V.

Use UNICHAR in Google Sheets

Google Sheets supports the UNICHAR function.

To return lowercase lambda, type:

=UNICHAR(955)

To return uppercase lambda, type:

=UNICHAR(923)

Method 8: Use Windows Character Map

Character Map is a built-in Windows tool that lets you copy symbols and special characters.

Steps

Click the Windows search box.
Type Character Map.
Open the Character Map app.
Choose a common font, such as Arial or Times New Roman.
Look for λ.
Click the symbol.
Click Select.
Click Copy.
Paste it into your document.

This method is useful if you cannot use Word’s Unicode shortcut or Insert Symbol.

Method 9: Use Windows Emoji and Symbols Panel

You can also try the Windows emoji and symbols panel.

Steps

Click where you want to insert lambda.
Press Windows key + .You can also try Windows key + ;.
Go to the symbols section.
Look for Greek letters, if available.
Select λ.

If you cannot find lambda there, use Character Map or copy and paste instead.

Method 10: Type the Lambda Symbol on iPhone and iPad

The easiest way to type lambda on iPhone or iPad is to copy and paste it.

Copy this: λ

Then paste it into your message, note, document, or browser.

Create a Text Replacement Shortcut on iPhone

If you use lambda often, create a text replacement.

For example:

lambdax → λ

Steps

Open Settings.
Tap General.
Tap Keyboard.
Tap Text Replacement.
Tap the + button.
In the Phrase box, paste λ.
In the Shortcut box, type lambdax.
Tap Save.

Now, when you type lambdax, your iPhone can suggest or insert λ.

Method 11: Type the Lambda Symbol on Android

On Android, the exact method depends on your keyboard app.

The easiest method is copy and paste.

Copy this: λ

Then paste it where you need it.

Try the symbols keyboard

Some Android keyboards include Greek letters in their symbol sections.

Try this:

Open your keyboard.
Tap the ?123 or symbols key.
Look for more symbol pages.
If you see λ, tap it.

If you cannot find it, copy and paste is usually faster.

Create a personal dictionary shortcut

Some Android keyboards allow custom shortcuts.

You can create:

lambdax → λ

The exact steps depend on your Android phone and keyboard app.

Method 12: Type the Lambda Symbol on Chromebook

On Chromebook, the fastest method is usually copy and paste.

Copy this: λ

Then paste it into your document or text box.

If you are using Google Docs on Chromebook, you can use:

Insert > Special characters > search lambda

Then click the lambda symbol.

Method 13: Type the Lambda Symbol in HTML

If you are writing HTML, you can use the lambda symbol directly, or you can use an HTML entity.

Lowercase lambda

Use:

λ

Example:

&lambda; = 500 nm

Result:

λ = 500 nm

Uppercase lambda

Use:

Λ

Example:

&Lambda;

Result: Λ

Decimal HTML code

Lowercase lambda:

&#955;

Uppercase lambda:

&#923;

Hex HTML code

Lowercase lambda:

&#x03BB;

Uppercase lambda:

&#x039B;

Method 14: Type the Lambda Symbol in CSS

If you are adding lambda with CSS, you can use the Unicode escape.

Lowercase lambda:

.example::after {
  content: "\03BB";
}

Uppercase lambda:

.example::after {
  content: "\039B";
}

For normal writing, it is usually better to type or paste the symbol directly in your text or use HTML.

Method 15: Type the Lambda Symbol in JavaScript

In JavaScript, you can use the symbol directly:

const lambda = "λ";

Or you can use the Unicode escape:

const lambda = "\u03BB";

For uppercase lambda:

const uppercaseLambda = "\u039B";

Method 16: Type Lambda in LaTeX

If you are writing in LaTeX, use:

\lambda

This gives: λ

For uppercase lambda, use:

\Lambda

This gives: Λ

Example:

\lambda = 500\,nm

This represents:

λ = 500 nm

Lowercase Lambda λ vs Uppercase Lambda Λ

There are two main lambda symbols:

Symbol	Name	Unicode	Common Use
λ	Greek small letter lambda	U+03BB	Wavelength, variables, formulas, functions
Λ	Greek capital letter lambda	U+039B	Uppercase lambda, math/science notation

The lowercase lambda λ is the one most people are looking for.

The uppercase lambda Λ is used when the capital Greek letter is needed.

If you are not sure which one to use, choose λ because it is the standard lowercase lambda symbol used in many formulas.

Common Uses of the Lambda Symbol

The lambda symbol is used in many fields.

In physics

Lambda λ commonly represents wavelength.

Example:

λ = 500 nm

This means the wavelength is 500 nanometers.

In mathematics

Lambda can be used as a variable, eigenvalue, or parameter.

Example:

λ = 2

You may also see lambda in linear algebra and calculus.

In computer science and programming

Lambda is often connected with anonymous functions or lambda functions.

Examples:

lambda function
lambda expression
AWS Lambda
Python lambda

In these cases, people may write the word lambda, but the symbol λ is sometimes used in tutorials, notes, or diagrams.

In statistics

Lambda can be used as a parameter in some statistical formulas and distributions.

Example:

λ = rate parameter

In chemistry and engineering

Lambda can appear in formulas involving wavelength, rate, conductivity, or other technical quantities.

Lambda Symbol and Related Greek Letters

If you are typing lambda, you may also need other Greek letters.

Symbol	Name	Unicode
α	Alpha	U+03B1
β	Beta	U+03B2
γ	Gamma	U+03B3
δ	Delta	U+03B4
θ	Theta	U+03B8
λ	Lambda	U+03BB
μ	Mu	U+03BC
π	Pi	U+03C0
σ	Sigma	U+03C3
Ω	Omega	U+03A9

Troubleshooting: Lambda Symbol Not Working

If you cannot type the lambda symbol, here are the common problems and fixes.

Problem 1: I cannot find a Windows Alt code for lambda

Lambda does not have a simple, commonly reliable Windows Alt code like alpha or beta.

Fix

Use one of these methods instead:

Copy and paste λ
Word Unicode shortcut: 03BB, then Alt + X
Insert Symbol
Character Map
Google Docs Special characters
Excel or Google Sheets: =UNICHAR(955)

Problem 2: I typed 03BB but it did not change into λ

The 03BB + Alt + X method works mainly in Microsoft Word on Windows.

It may not work in every app.

Fix

Use it inside Microsoft Word, or use copy and paste in other apps.

Problem 3: Lambda appears as a box or strange character

This usually means the font or app does not support the character properly.

Fix

Try changing the font to a common font such as:

Arial
Calibri
Times New Roman
Cambria
Helvetica
Verdana

Problem 4: I need lambda in an equation, not normal text

If you are writing a formula in Word or PowerPoint, use the Equation tool.

Inside the equation box, type:

\lambda

Then press Space.

This gives a better math-style lambda symbol.

Problem 5: Uppercase lambda looks like a triangle shape

This is normal.

Uppercase lambda Λ can look similar to a triangle or an upside-down V in many fonts. It is the capital Greek lambda symbol.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lambda Symbol

What is the lambda symbol?

The lambda symbol is a Greek letter. The lowercase lambda is λ, and the uppercase lambda is Λ.

How do I type lambda on Windows?

The easiest Windows method is to copy and paste λ, or use Microsoft Word’s Unicode shortcut.

In Microsoft Word, type:

03BB

Then press:

Alt + X

Word will convert it into: λ

What is the Alt code for lambda?

Lambda does not have a simple, commonly reliable Windows Alt code for normal typing.

Use 03BB + Alt + X in Microsoft Word, or copy and paste λ.

What is the Unicode for lambda?

The Unicode for lowercase lambda is:

U+03BB

The Unicode for uppercase lambda is:

U+039B

How do I type lambda in Microsoft Word?

In Microsoft Word on Windows, type:

03BB

Then press:

Alt + X

This gives: λ

You can also use Insert > Symbol or the Equation tool.

How do I type lambda in Excel?

In Excel, you can use Insert > Symbol, copy and paste λ, or type this formula:

=UNICHAR(955)

This returns: λ

How do I type lambda in Google Docs?

In Google Docs:

Go to Insert.
Click Special characters.
Search for lambda.
Click λ.

How do I type lambda on Mac?

On Mac, use Character Viewer:

Press Control + Command + Space.
Search for lambda.
Double-click λ.

You can also copy and paste the lambda symbol from this page.

How do I type lambda on iPhone?

The easiest way is to copy and paste: λ

If you use it often, create a text replacement shortcut such as:

lambdax → λ

How do I type lambda on Android?

The easiest way is to copy and paste: λ

Some Android keyboards may also include lambda under their symbols or Greek letters section.

What is the HTML code for lambda?

For lowercase lambda, use:

λ

You can also use:

λ

or:

λ

For uppercase lambda, use:

Λ

What is lambda used for?

Lambda λ is commonly used for wavelength in physics. It is also used in mathematics, engineering, statistics, computer science, and programming.

Is lambda used in programming?

Yes. The word lambda is commonly used in programming for anonymous functions or lambda functions. The symbol λ is also sometimes used in notes, diagrams, and computer science explanations.

Which lambda symbol should I use: λ or Λ?

In most cases, use λ. It is the standard lowercase lambda symbol. Use Λ only when you specifically need uppercase lambda.

Best Method to Use

If you only need the lambda symbol once, copy and paste it: λ

If you are using Microsoft Word, use:

03BB, then Alt + X

If you are writing an equation in Word, use:

\lambda, then press Space

If you are using Google Docs, use:

Insert > Special characters > search lambda

If you are using Excel or Google Sheets, use:

=UNICHAR(955)

If you use lambda often, create a text replacement shortcut such as:

lambdax → λ

Conclusion

The lambda symbol λ is useful in physics, mathematics, engineering, computer science, statistics, chemistry, and academic writing.

The easiest way to type it depends on where you are working:

Microsoft Word: 03BB, then Alt + X
Word Equation: type \lambda, then press Space
Excel: Insert Symbol or =UNICHAR(955)
Google Docs: Insert > Special characters > search lambda
Mac: Character Viewer or copy/paste
HTML: λ
Any device: copy and paste λ

If you do not want to remember any shortcut, simply copy the lambda symbol from this page and paste it where you need it.