Nabla Symbol
The nabla (∇) symbol denotes a differential operator used for gradients, divergence, and curl.
U+2207
The symbol ∇ is called nabla and is commonly used in mathematics and physics. It represents a differential operator that acts on functions and vector fields. Use it in formulas, notes, and code-friendly text using its Unicode forms.
Nabla Symbol Meaning
The nabla symbol (∇), Unicode U+2207, is read as “nabla” and is used as a differential operator. Depending on how it’s combined with a quantity, it can represent the gradient (∇f) of a scalar function, the divergence (∇·F) of a vector field, or the curl (∇×F) of a vector field. Because its exact meaning comes from the expression around it, nabla is best understood within the context of the surrounding math notation. It’s widely used in vector calculus, multivariable analysis, and many physics equations involving fields and changes over space.
Common uses
- •Writing gradients in multivariable calculus, such as ∇f
- •Expressing divergence of vector fields, such as ∇·F
- •Formulating curl/rotational operators, such as ∇×F
- •Describing differential operators in physics, including field equations
- •Typing vector calculus notation in documents, slides, and LaTeX-style math
Examples
∇ Nabla Symbol (∇) Meaning & Copy
- ∇∇f = (∂f/∂x, ∂f/∂y, ∂f/∂z)
- ∇∇·F = ∂Fx/∂x + ∂Fy/∂y + ∂Fz/∂z
- ∇∇×F = (∂Fz/∂y − ∂Fy/∂z, ∂Fx/∂z − ∂Fz/∂x, ∂Fy/∂x − ∂Fx/∂y)
- ∇Let ∇ be the operator acting on φ(x,y,z).
- ∇Solve using the operator ∇ in the governing equation.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2207 | |
| HTML Entity | ∇ | |
| HTML Code | ∇ | |
| CSS | \2207 | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8711 | |
| Decimal | 8711 |
How to type Nabla Symbol (∇)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8711 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 2207 then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 2207. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 2207, then press Enter or Space.
Anywhere
Copy ∇ with the button above and paste it wherever you need it — this works on every device and in every app, with no keyboard shortcut to remember.
FAQ
What does the Nabla symbol mean?
The nabla symbol (∇), Unicode U+2207, is read as “nabla” and is used as a differential operator. Depending on how it’s combined with a quantity, it can represent the gradient (∇f) of a scalar function, the divergence (∇·F) of a vector field, or the curl (∇×F) of a vector field. Because its exact meaning comes from the expression around it, nabla is best understood within the context of the surrounding math notation. It’s widely used in vector calculus, multivariable analysis, and many physics equations involving fields and changes over space.
What Unicode code point is the nabla symbol ∇?
It is U+2207. In HTML you can use ∇.
How do I type ∇ in CSS or code?
Use CSS escape \\2207. In JavaScript, you can use \\u{2207}.
Does ∇ always mean the same thing?
No. Its meaning depends on the expression. Commonly it represents gradient, divergence, or curl when combined with the right operators (·, ×) and functions/fields.
Is ∇ used for gradients, divergence, and curl?
Yes. Those are the most common uses in vector calculus: ∇f (gradient), ∇·F (divergence), and ∇×F (curl).