How to type the summation symbol (∑) on a keyboard (Windows, Mac, Word, Excel + more)
The summation symbol (∑) means “sum of” in math. You’ll see it in statistics, engineering, school math, and formulas (especially when adding many values at once).
People often search “summation symbol” because they want the ∑ operator, not just the Greek letter sigma (Σ). This guide shows the fastest, beginner-friendly ways to type ∑ everywhere.
If you want something quick, below is the tool to help you copy and paste this symbol to wherever you want:
1-Minute Answer (fastest ways)
- Copy/paste: ∑
- Windows (Alt code — needs a numeric keypad): hold Alt and type 8721 on the number pad → ∑
(If it doesn’t work in your app, use Character Map or Word Alt+X below.) - Mac: press Control + Command + Space → search summation → double-click ∑
- Word:
- Insert → Symbol (pick ∑), or
- Insert → Equation, then type \sum and press Space
- Google Docs: Insert → Special characters → search summation
- iPhone/Android: copy/paste is usually fastest (use the widget below)
Quick Reference (∑)
Symbol: ∑
Name: Summation (N-ary summation)
Unicode: U+2211
Windows Alt code (numpad): Alt + 8721 (Works in MS Word only)
HTML: ∑ or ∑
LaTeX (equations): \sum
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | ∑ |
| Unicode | U+2211 |
| Word Alt code (numpad) | Alt + 8721 |
| HTML (named) | ∑ |
| HTML (numeric) | ∑ |
| LaTeX | \sum |
A) How to type ∑ on Windows
Method 1: Alt code (fast, but needs a numeric keypad)
Important: Windows Alt codes require a numeric keypad (the number pad on the right). The number row above the letters usually won’t work. This alt code also works in MS Word only and won’t work outside of Word.
- Click where you want the symbol.
- Turn Num Lock ON.
- Hold Alt.
- Type 8721 on the numeric keypad.
- Release Alt to insert ∑.
If that doesn’t work in your app, use Character Map (below) or Word Alt+X.
Method 2: Character Map (works on any Windows PC)
- Open the Start menu and search Character Map.
- Open Character Map.
- (Optional) tick Advanced view.
- Search for summation (or paste ∑ into the search box if you can).
- Select ∑, click Select → Copy.
- Paste with Ctrl + V.
Method 3: Use Word/PowerPoint “Insert Symbol” (quick cross-over)
If you’re trying to type ∑ in Word or PowerPoint, it’s often quickest to use:
- Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → choose ∑
B) How to type ∑ on Mac
Method 1: Character Viewer (best)
- Press Control + Command + Space.
- Search summation or sum.
- Double-click ∑ to insert it.
Method 2: Copy/paste
Copy ∑ from this page (or the widget) and paste anywhere.
C) How to insert ∑ in Microsoft Word (Windows + Mac) — MAIN SECTION
Method 1: Insert → Symbol (simple and reliable)
- Go to Insert.
- Click Symbol → More Symbols.
- Find ∑ (often under Mathematical Operators).
- Click Insert, then Close.
Method 2: Word Equation (very important for math)
If you’re writing a real math expression, use Equation mode.
- Go to Insert → Equation.
- Type: \sum
- Press Space → Word converts it into the summation template.
How to add limits (top/bottom numbers):
- In Equation mode, you’ll see boxes above and below the ∑.
- Click the top box for the upper limit (like n) and the bottom box for the lower limit (like i = 1).
Method 3: Alt+X (Word on Windows) — super reliable
- Type 2211
- Press Alt + X
→ Word converts it to ∑
D) Summation in Excel (two common intents)
If you want to CALCULATE a sum (most people mean this)
Use Excel’s built-in tools:
- AutoSum button (looks like Σ)
- Or a formula like:
=SUM(A1:A10)
✅ This calculates the total.
If you want to TYPE the ∑ symbol for display (in text/cells)
Use one of these:
- Copy/paste: ∑
- Insert Symbol (in Excel): Insert → Symbol (if available in your version)
- UNICHAR formula:
=UNICHAR(8721)→ ∑
Example:
="Total "&UNICHAR(8721)&" ="
E) PowerPoint (short)
- Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → choose ∑
- Or copy/paste from this page
F) Google Docs
- Go to Insert → Special characters.
- Search summation (or sum).
- Click ∑ to insert.
G) Google Sheets
- For calculation:
=SUM(A1:A10) - For symbol display:
=UNICHAR(8721)→ ∑
H) iPhone + Android
- Usually easiest: copy/paste ∑ (use the widget)
- If you type it often: consider adding a math keyboard/app (keep it simple—copy/paste is enough for most people)
I) Chromebook
- In Google Docs: Insert → Special characters → search summation
- Or copy/paste ∑ from this page
∑ vs Σ (must-know difference)
These look similar but are different characters:
- ∑ = Summation operator (the “sum of” symbol)
- Σ = Greek capital letter Sigma (a letter)
Side-by-side:
- Summation: ∑
- Sigma: Σ
If you need the math operator, choose ∑.
Troubleshooting
Alt code not working (Windows)
Common reasons:
- No numeric keypad (many laptops don’t have one)
- Num Lock is OFF
- You used the top number row instead of the keypad
Fix:
- Turn Num Lock ON
- Use the number pad
- If you don’t have a numpad, use Character Map, copy/paste, or Word Alt+X (2211 + Alt+X)
Symbol shows as a box (□)
That usually means your font doesn’t support the character.
Try a different font like Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman, or another modern font.
Word Equation: \sum doesn’t convert
Make sure you’re in Equation mode:
- Use Insert → Equation first
Then type \sum and press Space.
Excel: I typed ∑ but it didn’t calculate anything
That’s expected. ∑ is just a symbol.
To calculate totals in Excel, use:
- AutoSum (Σ) or
=SUM(...)
FAQ
What is the Alt code for ∑?
Alt + 8721 (numeric keypad required). If it doesn’t work in your app, use Character Map or Word Alt+X.
How do I type ∑ in Word?
Best options:
- Insert → Equation, type \sum, press Space
- Or 2211 + Alt+X (Word on Windows)
- Or Insert → Symbol
How do I do summation in Excel?
For calculation:
- AutoSum (Σ) or
=SUM(A1:A10)
For the symbol in a cell: - Copy/paste ∑ or use
=UNICHAR(8721)
What’s the difference between ∑ and Σ?
- ∑ is the summation operator
- Σ is the Greek letter sigma
What is the Unicode/HTML for ∑?
- Unicode: U+2211
- HTML:
∑or∑
Quick recap
- Copy/paste: ∑
- Windows: Alt + 8721 (numeric keypad)
- Mac: Control + Command + Space → search “summation”
- Word (best): Equation → \sum → Space
- Word (Windows): 2211 + Alt+X
- Excel: Σ AutoSum calculates, ∑ is for display