How to type the pi symbol on Windows
To type the pi symbol on Windows, hold Alt, type 227 on the numeric keypad and release: π appears. In Word, type 03C0 and press Alt + X, or enter \pi inside an equation (Alt + =).
Quick answer
Hold Alt, type 227 on the keypad → π
Step by step
Make sure Num Lock is on
The keypad must type digits.
Hold the left Alt key
Keep it held until you have typed all three digits.
Type 227
No leading zero: this code comes from the old PC character set.
Release Alt
The lowercase π appears.
Lowercase π, not capital Π
Alt + 227 gives the lowercase Greek letter pi (U+03C0), the one used for 3.14159…. The capital Π has no alt code; in Word you can type 03A0 then Alt + X. Maths also has a separate n-ary product sign ∏ for products of sequences, which looks like a large capital pi but is a different character.
Using the Greek keyboard
If you write a lot of Greek letters, add the Greek layout: Settings → Time & language → Language & region → your language → Keyboards → Add a keyboard → Greek. Switch with Win + Space, and the P key then types π. It is handy for physics and statistics notes, and the full alphabet is in our Greek letters collection.
In equations and spreadsheets
Word’s equation editor recognises \pi, and Excel has a PI() function for the value. To show the symbol in a cell, use =UNICHAR(960). The pi symbol in Word guide covers the equation route step by step.
Laptop options
No keypad? Use the Greek keyboard above, the emoji panel (Win + ., Symbols tab), the Character Map, or copy π from the pi symbol page. If Alt + 227 gives ã, you typed Alt + 0227; drop the zero.
Frequently asked questions
What is the alt code for pi?
Alt + 227 on the numeric keypad types π. With a leading zero (Alt + 0227) you get ã instead.
How do I type pi in Word?
Type 03C0 and press Alt + X, or insert an equation with Alt + = and type \pi followed by a space.
How do I type capital Π?
In Word, type 03A0 then Alt + X. There is no alt code for the capital letter.