Pi (Π π) in LaTeX
In LaTeX, \pi gives the lowercase pi (π) and \Pi gives the uppercase pi (Π), both in maths mode; \varpi produces the variant form (ϖ).
LaTeX command
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Lowercase pi, \pi, is best known as the constant π ≈ 3.14159, the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. As a variable it also denotes the prime-counting function \pi(x), a projection map in geometry and algebra, and a probability or mixing proportion in statistics and machine learning. It must be used in maths mode.
Uppercase pi, \Pi, is the letter form and can denote a product of spaces, a projection operator or osmotic pressure. Note that the large product operator in expressions like \prod_{k=1}^{n} k is the separate command \prod, not \Pi; \prod grows with its limits, while \Pi stays letter-sized.
The variant \varpi gives a curly form (ϖ) resembling a cursive omega, useful as a distinct second pi, for instance a longitude of perihelion in orbital mechanics. All three commands render without extra packages in KaTeX; \pi is italic by default, and \boldsymbol{\pi} makes it bold.
Other forms
\pilowercase pi\Piuppercase pi (Π)\varpicurly / variant formExamples
$\pi \approx 3.14159$the circle constant
$A = \pi r^2$the area of a circle
$\pi(x) \sim \frac{x}{\ln x}$the prime-counting function
$\Pi$uppercase pi (the letter, not \prod)
$\varpi$the variant form
Tips and common mistakes
- The large product operator is
\prod, not\Pi;\prodenlarges and takes limits,\Piis a plain letter. \varpiis the curly variant (ϖ); use it when you need a pi distinct from\pi.- All pi commands are maths-mode only; wrap them in .
- For a bold pi (a stationary distribution or policy) use
\boldsymbol{\pi}, not\mathbf. - The constant is the italic
\piby default; that is the standard mathematical convention.
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Convert your maths to LaTeX →FAQ
What is the difference between \Pi and \prod?
\Pi is the uppercase letter pi (Π), letter-sized. \prod is the product operator that grows to fit its limits, as in \prod_{k=1}^{n} k. Use \prod for products.
How do I write a variant pi?
Use \varpi, which renders the curly form ϖ. It works in KaTeX and standard LaTeX without extra packages.
How do I type the constant pi?
Use \pi inside maths mode, for example or .