TypeThem
Symbols · Guide

How to Type the Alpha Symbol (α)

Updated 17 Aug 2026 · by SKK · 3 platforms covered
1-minute answer

To type α: Word: 03B1 then Alt+X · Mac Character Viewer · HTML α. Click the key above to copy it now.

01 All shortcuts at a glance

PlatformShortcut
Windows (any app) Win+. or Win+; emoji/symbol picker, or Character Map (Win+Rcharmap)
Mac Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer, search "Greek Small Letter Alpha"
Word / Outlook Type 03B1, then press Alt+X
Linux (IBus) Ctrl+Shift+U, then 03b1, then Enter
HTML / CSS α · \03b1 (CSS)

02 Step by step, per platform

A real, followable procedure for every platform — not a thin restatement of the shortcut.

Windows

  1. Open Character Map: Win+R, type charmap, press Enter.
  2. Search or scroll for Greek Small Letter Alpha (U+03B1).
  3. Select it, click Copy, then paste where you need it.

Mac

  1. Press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer.
  2. Type "Greek Small Letter Alpha" in the search field.
  3. Double-click the result to insert it.

Microsoft Word

  1. Type 03B1.
  2. Press Alt+X immediately after — it converts the hex code to α.

03 Characters in this set

04 FAQ

What is the Unicode code point for Greek Small Letter Alpha?

Greek Small Letter Alpha is U+03B1. In HTML that's <code>α</code> or <code>α</code>.

Why doesn't Greek Small Letter Alpha have a classic Windows Alt code?

Alt codes only cover the legacy 256-character Windows-1252 codepage. Greek Small Letter Alpha is outside that range, so use Character Map, the Word Alt+X method, or copy it from this page instead.

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