How to type the pi symbol in Word
To type the pi symbol π in Word for Windows, type 03C0 and press Alt + X, or hold Alt and type 227 on the numeric keypad. Inside a Word equation, type \pi and a space. On a Mac, press Option + P.
Quick answer
03C0 then Alt + X, or Alt + 227. In an equation: \pi + space. Mac: Option + P.
Step by step
Type the hex code
Where the symbol should go, type 03C0. The first two characters are zeros.
Press Alt + X
Word converts the code into the Greek small letter π.
Carry on typing
Write the rest of the expression, for example πr² for the area of a circle (² is Alt + 0178).
Pi in the equation editor
For anything more than a single symbol, use Word’s equations. Press Alt + = to open an equation box and type \pi followed by a space; Word’s Math AutoCorrect swaps it for π in the maths font. The same trick works for the rest of the Greek alphabet (\theta, \alpha, \Sigma) and for operators such as \times and \pm. Equations keep their spacing and italics consistent, which matters in homework and papers.
About Alt + 227
The code 227 comes from the old IBM PC code page 437, which included a few Greek letters for maths. Word and most desktop apps still honour it. If it produces ã instead, you typed Alt + 0227: the leading zero switches to a different code page where 227 is a-tilde.
Avoid the Symbol-font trick
Some guides suggest typing a letter p and switching the font to Symbol. It displays π, but the stored character is still p, so it becomes “p” when copied, searched or opened with another font. Use the Unicode π instead.
Word for Mac
Option + P types π in Word and every other Mac app on the US keyboard layout. In equations, \pi works exactly as on Windows.
The pi symbol reference has its HTML, LaTeX and programming codes; the Greek letters collection lists every letter with its name; and the math symbols page covers the operators you will need next to it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut for π in Word?
On Windows, type 03C0 and press Alt + X, or use Alt + 227 on the keypad. On a Mac, Option + P.
Why does Alt + 227 give me ã?
You probably typed 0227 with a leading zero, which uses the Windows-1252 code page. Type 227 without the zero.
How do I insert pi in a Word equation?
Press Alt + = to start an equation, type \pi and press space.