Pi (π) is one of the important mathematical constants used in various fields of science and mathematics. When it comes to writing Pi symbol in Word, there are 4 different ways namely Alt code, Alt X method, Symbols and Math autocorrect (fastest).
Four different ways to insert Pi symbol in Word
To insert Pi (π or Π) symbol in Ms Word, place the cursor where you wan to insert sign and follow any of the following 4 methods.
| Method | π | Π |
|---|---|---|
| Alt Code | 227 | 928 |
| Alt X Code | 03c0 | 03a0 |
| Math Autocorrect | \pi<sp> | \Pi<sp> |
Method 1: Insert Symbols
Step 1: Click Insert Menu > Symbol in symbols group.
Step 2: Select More Symbols.
Step 3: Select “normal text” from Font drop-down and “Greek and Coptic” from the Subset drop-down.
Step 4: Locate the Pi symbol (π or Π) and Double click it to insert and click cancel/close button to close dialogue box.
Method 2: Alt X code for Pi
To insert π type “03c0” and for Π type “03a0” and press Alt+X immediately following it. Note 0 in the code is zero, and above code is case insensitive.
Method 3: Alt Code for Pi (only for keyboard with special numpad keys)
Numpad keys opens up additional method (i.e. Alt code). To insert Pi symbol using this method:
- Hold down Alt key and
- Type 227 (for π) and 928 (for Π )
- Release Alt key
Method 4: Fastest way to type Pi symbol in Word
Type “\pi<sp>” for π and “\Pi<sp>” for Π, where <sp> is space.
Above method is Math Autocorrect feature of Microsoft Word but requires one time setting. It is alternative to LaTeX and is very helpful while typing mathematical equation and symbols. For more shortcut on typing Equations and Symbols visit our blog on Complete Reference to Math Autocorrect Shortcut in Ms Word.
This feature is only active inside Equation Editor. However the following one time setting allows us to use it outside of equation editor too .
- Click Files → Options to open Word Options
- Navigate to Proofing and click AutoCorrect Options button to open Auto Correct window
- Navigate to Math Autocorrect tab
- Check the box against “Use Math Autocorrect options outside Math region“
- Click Ok and close all the dialogue boxed.
Summary
Alt Code, ALT X code, Insert Symbols and Math Autocorrect are 4 different ways to insert Pi in Word. Of these, Math autocorrect method is the fastest and easy to remember. Most commonly used method to insert Pi symbol in Word is by using Insert symbol. Unfortunately, it is also the slowest of all. Though Alt Code and Alt X method is next fastest, you need to remember unique code for Pi symbol.
C P Gupta is a YouTuber and Blogger. He is expert in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. His YouTube channel @pickupbrain is very popular and has crossed 9.9 Million Views.