λ
λ Lambda Symbol
Lowercase lambda (λ) is the Greek letter used for wavelength in physics, eigenvalues in linear algebra, and anonymous functions in programming.
Also known as: lambda symbol, wavelength symbol, symbol for wavelength, greek small letter lamda.
Codes
| Symbol | λ | |
| Uppercase | Λ · U+039B | |
| Unicode | U+03BB | |
| HTML entity (named) | λ | |
| HTML entity (decimal) | λ | |
| HTML entity (hex) | λ | |
| CSS | \03BB | |
| LaTeX | \lambda |
How to type λ (Lambda Symbol)
Windows
In Microsoft Word, type 03BB then Alt + X. In other apps, open the emoji/symbol panel with Win + . (period) and search “lambda”, or copy from above. (There is no classic Alt + number code for λ.)
Mac
Open Character Viewer (Control + Cmd + Space), search “lambda”, and double-click λ. Or enable the Greek keyboard and press l.
Microsoft Word03BB, Alt + X
Type 03BB, then press Alt + X to convert it to λ.
Google Docs
Insert → Special characters, then search “lambda” — or inside an Equation type \lambda.
LaTeX\lambda
Use \lambda in math mode (\Lambda for uppercase Λ).
Usage
- In physics λ is wavelength: c = λf relates the speed of light to wavelength and frequency.
- In linear algebra λ is an eigenvalue, from det(A − λI) = 0.
- In programming, “lambda” means an anonymous function — Python's lambda x: x + 1.