How to insert the delta symbol in Excel
To insert the delta symbol Δ in Excel, enter =UNICHAR(916) in a cell, or use Insert → Symbol, choose the Greek and Coptic subset and pick Δ. Analysts use it for “change” columns, such as Δ Sales or Δ% vs last year.
Quick answer
Formula: =UNICHAR(916) for Δ (or 948 for δ). Header text: ="Δ "&"Sales".
Step by step
Select the header cell
Click the column header where you want “Δ Sales” or similar.
Open Insert → Symbol
Set the font to “(normal text)” and the subset to Greek and Coptic.
Pick Δ
Select Greek Capital Letter Delta (character code 0394) and click Insert, then type the rest of the label.
Or use a formula
For generated labels,
=UNICHAR(916)&" "&B1joins Δ to another header.
Δ or ∆?
Unicode has two triangles that look alike. Δ (U+0394) is the Greek capital letter delta, used for “change in” (Δt, ΔP). ∆ (U+2206) is the increment sign from the maths block, and it is what Option + J types on a Mac. Both display fine in Excel. Use the Greek letter for headers and labels, since it is the one search, sorting and screen readers treat as “delta”.
Building a change column
The delta usually labels a difference. For absolute change use =C2-B2; for percentage change, =(C2-B2)/B2 formatted as a percentage. Name the header “Δ” or “Δ %” so readers see at a glance that the column is derived.
Up and down triangles for changes
A custom number format can put arrows next to the change itself. Select the change cells, press Ctrl + 1 → Custom and enter [Color10]▲ 0.0%;[Red]▼ 0.0%;0.0%. Positive values show a green ▲, negatives a red ▼, and the numbers stay numeric. Type the triangles by copying them from our triangle symbols collection.
Legacy Symbol font method
Typing a capital D and switching the cell to the Symbol font also shows Δ. It is best avoided: the cell really contains “D”, so lookups, exports and other fonts reveal the letter.
Next: the delta symbol Δ reference, all Greek letters, and the plus-minus symbol in Excel for tolerances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UNICHAR code for delta?
=UNICHAR(916) returns the capital Δ. =UNICHAR(948) returns the lowercase δ.
Is there a keyboard shortcut for Δ in Excel?
Not on Windows by default. On a Mac, Option + J types the similar increment sign ∆, which also works.
How do I show a triangle up or down for changes?
Use a custom number format such as [Color10]▲ 0.0%;[Red]▼ 0.0% on the change column.