Tau Symbol codes and values
| Format | Value |
|---|---|
| Unicode | U+03C4 |
| HTML (decimal) | τ |
| HTML (hex) | τ |
| HTML entity | τ |
| CSS | \03C4 |
| JavaScript | \u03C4 |
| Windows Alt code | Alt+231 |
The official Unicode name is "Greek Small Letter Tau".
How to type the tau symbol
Windows
- Hold Alt and type
231on the numeric keypad, then release. (Num Lock must be on.) - In Microsoft Word, type
03C4and press Alt + X to turn the code into τ. - Or press Win + . to open the emoji and symbol panel and search for it.
Mac
- Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer and search for "greek small letter tau".
- Or add the "Unicode Hex Input" keyboard in System Settings, hold Option and type
03C4.
Linux
- In GTK apps press Ctrl + Shift + U, type
03c4and press Enter.
Web pages
Write τ or τ in HTML, or paste the character directly into a UTF-8 page.
Encoding details
| Encoding | Value |
|---|---|
| Code point | U+03C4 (decimal 964) |
| UTF-8 bytes | CF 84 |
| URL encoded | %CF%84 |
| Category | Ll |
What the tau symbol means
Tau is a Greek letter used in physics to represent torque, shear stress, or time constants. Some mathematicians also advocate for its use as a circle constant equal to twice pi.
Using the tau symbol well
Type tau using Unicode U+03C4 in academic texts. Ensure your chosen typeface distinguishes it clearly from the Latin letter t to prevent reader confusion.
Characters next to it in Unicode
| Character | Code | Name |
|---|---|---|
| ρ | U+03C1 | Greek Small Letter Rho |
| ς | U+03C2 | Greek Small Letter Final Sigma |
| σ | U+03C3 | Greek Small Letter Sigma |
| υ | U+03C5 | Greek Small Letter Upsilon |
| φ | U+03C6 | Greek Small Letter Phi |
| χ | U+03C7 | Greek Small Letter Chi |
FAQ
What is the Unicode for the tau symbol?
The tau symbol τ is U+03C4 (Greek Small Letter Tau).
How do I type τ on a keyboard?
On Windows hold Alt and type 231 on the numeric keypad. On Mac use the Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space), and on Linux use Ctrl + Shift + U then 03c4.
What is the HTML code for τ?
Use τ or the named entity τ. The hexadecimal form is τ.
More symbols
- ≈ Approximately Equal Sign: previous page
- ∪ Union Symbol: next page
- Symbols to copy and paste: the full list