Lambda Symbol (λ)
Copy the Lambda symbol λ to your clipboard, and see its Unicode code point, HTML entity, LaTeX command and how to type it on any device.
What does λ mean?
Lambda denotes wavelength in physics and optics, eigenvalues in linear algebra, the decay constant in radioactivity, and the rate parameter of the Poisson and exponential distributions. In computer science it names anonymous (lambda) functions. λ is the lowercase form of Lambda, letter 11 of 24 in the Greek alphabet (pronounced LAM-da). Its capital counterpart is Λ. In science and maths it is used for: Wavelength, eigenvalues, decay constant, Poisson rate.
Codes and properties
| Character | λ |
|---|---|
| Unicode name | GREEK SMALL LETTER LAMDA |
| Code point | U+03BB |
| Decimal | 955 |
| Unicode block | Greek and Coptic |
| HTML entity | λ · λ · λ |
| CSS | \03BB |
| JavaScript / JSON | \u03BB |
| Python | \u03BB or \N{GREEK SMALL LETTER LAMDA} |
| UTF-8 bytes | CE BB |
| LaTeX | \lambda |
How to type λ
- Copy & paste: press the Copy button above, then paste λ anywhere — Word, Google Docs, email, chat or code.
- Windows (Word, WordPad, Outlook): type
03BBthen press Alt+X. In any app, Win+. opens the symbol panel. - Mac (any symbol): switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, hold Option and type
03BB; or press Ctrl+Cmd+Space and search “greek small letter lamda”. - Linux (GTK/IBus): press Ctrl+Shift+U, type
03bb, then Space. - HTML:
λrenders as λ. - LaTeX:
\lambdain math mode (amssymb package for some symbols).
Frequently asked questions
What is λ in physics?
Wavelength — the distance between successive crests of a wave, related to speed and frequency by v = fλ.
What is an eigenvalue λ?
A scalar that scales an eigenvector when a linear transformation is applied; fundamental to matrices and quantum mechanics.
How do I type λ on Windows?
In Microsoft Word type 03BB and press Alt+X. In any app press Win+. to open the symbol panel, or copy λ from this page.
How do I type λ on a Mac?
Open the Character Viewer with Ctrl+Cmd+Space and search “greek small letter lamda”, or switch to Unicode Hex Input and hold Option while typing 03BB.
What is the HTML code for λ?
Use λ or λ (hex) or λ (decimal).
What is the LaTeX command for λ?
Use \lambda in math mode.
Related symbols
Keep exploring
- All greek letters
- Full symbol library
- Math Keyboard — type λ with other symbols
- Greek alphabet reference with pronunciation
- Greek Letters Copy and Paste – Full List (Α–Ω) with Names
- How to Type Greek Letters on Any Device (2026 Guide)
- How to Type Math Symbols Online (∑ ∫ √ ∂ π) – 2026 Guide
- Open the full scientific keyboard
Reference: Unicode code chart: Greek and Coptic (U+0370–U+03FF)