How to type the pi symbol on a Mac
The pi symbol on a Mac is Option + P: hold Option and press P to type a lowercase π in any app. Be careful with Option + Shift + P, which gives ∏, the maths product sign, not the Greek capital letter Π.
Quick answer
Press Option + P → π
Step by step
Hold Option
Keep the ⌥ key pressed.
Press P
A lowercase π appears at the cursor.
Continue typing
Add the rest of the expression, such as πr² (Option + P, r, then ² from the Character Viewer).
Capital Π versus ∏
Option + Shift + P types ∏ (U+220F), the n-ary product sign used for multiplying a sequence of terms. It looks like a tall capital pi but is a maths operator, and screen readers announce it as “n-ary product”. For the actual Greek capital letter Π (U+03A0), use the Character Viewer or the Greek keyboard described below. The full Greek alphabet, upper and lower case, is in our Greek letters collection.
The Greek input source
If you write physics or statistics, add the Greek keyboard: System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources → Edit → + → Greek. Switch to it with Control + Space (or the globe key) and the P key types π, Shift + P types Π, and the other letters map to their Greek equivalents. Switch back when you are done.
In Pages, Keynote and Numbers
For formulas, Insert → Equation accepts LaTeX, so \pi gives a correctly styled π. In Numbers and Excel for Mac, the function PI() returns 3.14159…, and =UNICHAR(960) displays the symbol itself.
On the web and elsewhere
In HTML, π writes π and Π writes Π. The pi symbol page lists every other code, from JavaScript escapes to UTF-8 bytes. Windows users can type π with Alt + 227, covered in pi symbol on Windows.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mac shortcut for π?
Option + P types the lowercase π on the US layout.
How do I type a capital Π on a Mac?
Use the Greek keyboard (Shift + P) or the Character Viewer. Option + Shift + P gives ∏, the product sign, which is a different character.
How do I type π in a Pages equation?
Choose Insert → Equation and type \pi.