How to Type the Sigma Symbol (Σ)

There are a number of concise ways to insert the sigma symbol (Σ) in a Microsoft Word document, on a Mac, or on iOS and Android devices.

We cover each method below. 

How to Insert the Sigma Symbol in Microsoft Word

When using Microsoft Word on a PC, click to the place in your document where you would like to insert the sigma symbol. Next, hold the Alt key and type the numbers 228. 

You can also find the sigma symbol in the Advanced Symbols library in Microsoft Word. First, access the Advanced Symbols library under the Insert tab. Then, double-click the sigma symbol to include it in your document.

Sigma Symbol

If you plan on using the sigma symbol multiple times in a Microsoft Word document, you can adjust your AutoCorrect options to automatically replace a word or phrase (such as “sigma”) with the symbol. 

How to Insert the Sigma Symbol on a Mac

A simple keyboard shortcut will produce the sigma symbol on a Mac. Hold Option, followed by the letter W. This keyboard shortcut works in most applications, including Pages, Notes, Google Docs, and Microsoft Word.

Going to your Mac’s Emoji & Symbols library is another easy way to insert the sigma symbol. Press the Control, Command, and Spacebar keys to open the character viewer. Search for “sigma” or scroll to the section heading Math Symbols. Double-click the sigma symbol or highlight and drag the symbol into your document. 

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How to Insert the Sigma Symbol on a Mobile Device

Inserting the sigma symbol on a mobile device is just as easy. 

On an iPhone, change your keyboard settings to include Greek. Under Settings, tap General, then Keyboards. From here, you can “Add New Keyboard.” Now you can open the application where you would like to type the sigma sign, which is the second letter from the left on the second row. 

To type the sigma symbol on an Android device, download Gboard, the Google Keyboard. Open the application where you would like to type the sigma symbol. Tap the icon for numbers and symbols. Now tap the sigma symbol to insert it in your document or message. 

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