∂
∂ Partial Derivative Symbol
The partial derivative symbol (∂), the “curly d”, marks differentiation with respect to one variable while the others are held fixed.
Also known as: partial derivative symbol, partial symbol, curly d, del.
Codes
| Symbol | ∂ | |
| Unicode | U+2202 | |
| HTML entity (named) | ∂ | |
| HTML entity (decimal) | ∂ | |
| HTML entity (hex) | ∂ | |
| CSS | \2202 | |
| LaTeX | \partial |
How to type ∂ (Partial Derivative Symbol)
Windows2202, Alt + X
There is no Alt code for ∂. In Word, type 2202 then press Alt + X. Elsewhere, copy ∂ above or use Character Map.
Mac⌥ + D
Press Option + d.
Microsoft Word2202, Alt + X
Type 2202, then press Alt + X to convert it to ∂.
Google Docs
Insert → Special characters, then search “partial”. In an equation, \partial followed by a space also works.
LaTeX\partial
Use \partial in math mode: \frac{\partial f}{\partial x}.
Usage
- ∂f/∂x is the partial derivative of f with respect to x — the rate of change in the x direction, treating every other variable as a constant.
- ∂ vs d: use d for an ordinary derivative of a single-variable function (df/dx) and ∂ when the function has several variables. Writing d where ∂ belongs is a real error, not a style choice.
- ∂ is not a Greek letter, despite the look. It is a stylized cursive d — which is why it is called the curly d. In particular it is not δ (U+03B4, Greek small delta), and not ∆ (U+2206, increment).
- The gradient collects the partials into a vector: ∇f = (∂f/∂x, ∂f/∂y, ∂f/∂z).