∑

Summation Symbol (∑)

Copy the Summation symbol ∑ to your clipboard, and see its Unicode code point, HTML entity, LaTeX command and how to type it on any device.

What does ∑ mean?

The n‑ary summation sign (capital sigma) instructs you to add a sequence of terms, with the starting index below and the ending value above. It is everywhere in statistics (means and variances), series, and algorithms.

Codes and properties

Character	∑
Unicode name	N-ARY SUMMATION
Code point	U+2211
Decimal	8721
Unicode block	Mathematical Operators
HTML entity	∑ · ∑ · ∑
CSS	\2211
JavaScript / JSON	\u2211
Python	\u2211 or \N{N-ARY SUMMATION}
UTF-8 bytes	E2 88 91
LaTeX	\sum

How to type ∑

Copy & paste: press the Copy button above, then paste ∑ anywhere — Word, Google Docs, email, chat or code.
Windows (Word, WordPad, Outlook): type 2211 then press Alt+X. In any app, Win+. opens the symbol panel.
Mac shortcut: press Option+W (US keyboard layout).
Mac (any symbol): switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, hold Option and type 2211; or press Ctrl+Cmd+Space and search “n-ary summation”.
Linux (GTK/IBus): press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 2211, then Space.
HTML: ∑ renders as ∑.
LaTeX: \sum in math mode (amssymb package for some symbols).

Frequently asked questions

How is ∑ different from ∫?

∑ adds a discrete list of terms; ∫ ‘adds’ a continuous quantity via integration.

What goes above and below ∑?

Below: the index and its start value; above: the final value the index reaches.

How do I type ∑ on Windows?

In Microsoft Word type 2211 and press Alt+X. In any app press Win+. to open the symbol panel, or copy ∑ from this page.

How do I type ∑ on a Mac?

Press Option + W on a US keyboard layout, or open the Character Viewer with Ctrl+Cmd+Space and search for it.

What is the HTML code for ∑?

Use ∑ or ∑ (hex) or ∑ (decimal).

What is the LaTeX command for ∑?

Use \sum in math mode.

Keep exploring

Reference: Unicode code chart: Mathematical Operators (U+2200–U+22FF)