What is the keyboard shortcut for the phi symbol?

There is no direct Option-key shortcut for phi on the default Mac US layout. On Windows, the classic Alt+237 code that many references list for phi actually inserts a different character (Latin small letter phi, U+0278) due to a legacy code page mapping, not the true Greek φ (U+03C6). For the real character, type 03C6 in Word or Outlook and press Alt+X. On Linux, press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 03c6, then press Enter or Space.

What is the Unicode code point for phi?

Lowercase phi (φ) is U+03C6. Capital Phi (Φ) is U+03A6. The closed-loop phi symbol (ϕ) is U+03D5.

How do I insert the phi symbol in HTML?

Use the named entity φ or the numeric entities φ (decimal) and φ (hex). For capital Phi use Φ, Φ, or Φ.

What is the LaTeX command for phi?

Plain LaTeX \phi renders the closed-loop glyph (ϕ). The \varphi command renders the open-tailed letterform (φ) that most fonts show as the default phi. Capital Phi is \Phi.

What is the difference between φ and ϕ?

φ (U+03C6, GREEK SMALL LETTER PHI) is the open-tailed letterform used as the default phi in most fonts, including the golden ratio symbol. ϕ (U+03D5, GREEK PHI SYMBOL) is the closed-loop variant, common in physics notation such as magnetic flux.

Is phi the golden ratio symbol?

Yes, lowercase phi (φ) is the standard symbol for the golden ratio, approximately 1.6180339887. Its reciprocal, 1/φ, equals φ minus 1.

Phi Symbol

Name: Phi Symbol
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Click to copy the phi symbol (φ), see its uppercase and closed-loop variant forms, and get the Alt code, Unicode, HTML entity, and LaTeX for each.

Click the symbol to copy Phi (lowercase) to your clipboard.

Choose a phi symbol

Copy formats for Phi (lowercase)

How to type it by operating system

Windows

Mac

Linux

Phi and the golden ratio

Lowercase phi (φ) is the standard math symbol for the golden ratio, an irrational number approximately equal to 1.6180339887. It shows up in geometry, art composition, and design proportions. Its reciprocal, 1/φ, equals φ minus 1.

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Summary

Click to copy the phi symbol (φ), see its uppercase and closed-loop variant forms, and get the Alt code, Unicode, HTML entity, and LaTeX for each.

How it works

Click the large φ symbol at the top, or any variant card, to copy that character to your clipboard.
Select lowercase phi, capital Phi, or the closed-loop phi variant to switch the active character.
The format panel updates with the Unicode code point, HTML entities, LaTeX command, and CSS content value for the selected character.
The Windows, Mac, and Linux panels show the keyboard method for typing that character on each platform.
Click any format value to copy just that string, such as the LaTeX command or the HTML entity.

Use cases

Paste the phi symbol into math or physics homework, worksheets, or slides.
Insert φ or φ into HTML without breaking encoding.
Grab the LaTeX \varphi or \phi command for a formula in a paper or README.
Find the Windows Unicode input method for phi when Notepad or Word blocks Alt codes.
Type phi on a Mac with the Unicode Hex Input method.
Reference the golden ratio symbol (φ ≈ 1.618) in a design, art, or math write-up.
Copy the closed-loop phi symbol (ϕ) used for magnetic flux in physics notation.
Use the CSS content value to render phi in a ::before/::after pseudo-element.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-22 · Reviewed by Nham Vu