∞SymbolsSymbolsMathematical OperatorsReviewed 2026-08-08

PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL

Partial differential, the curly d used in calculus.

U+2202 · 15.1.0 · Common script

About this character

The partial differential symbol (∂), also called “curly d” or “partial,” is a stylized lowercase delta introduced by Marquis de Condorcet in 1773 and popularized by Adrien-Marie Legendre. In mathematics, it denotes a partial derivative, indicating differentiation with respect to one variable while others remain fixed. Beyond calculus, ∂ appears in physics for boundary operators and in typography as a distinctive glyph for designers. In programming, it surfaces in symbolic mathematics libraries and LaTeX (as `\partial`) for technical documentation. Its elegant, rounded form distinguishes it from the straight-backed delta, making it instantly recognizable in equations, academic papers, and digital typesetting.

Copy formats

FormatValueAction
UTF-8E2 88 82
UTF-162202
HTML∂ / ∂
CSS\002202
JavaScript\u2202
Python\u2202
URL%E2%88%82

Character

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