LaTeX Pi (π) - Complete Guide
The Greek letter pi (π/Π) is one of the most important mathematical constants, representing the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.
Symbol Preview
Pi
LaTeX Code
No package required
\piLowercase pi (approximately 3.14159)
No package required
\PiUppercase pi (product notation)
What is the LaTeX Pi?
Pi is the sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet and also the name of the mathematical constant approximately equal to 3.14159. Lowercase π is used for the constant, while uppercase Π represents the product notation (similar to Σ for summation). Pi appears in countless mathematical and physical formulas.
How to Use Pi in LaTeX
Method 1: Using \pi
✅No package required
Lowercase pi (approximately 3.14159)
Example: Using \pi
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
% Using the Pi
Text with \pi
\end{document}Method 2: Using \Pi
✅No package required
Uppercase pi (product notation)
Example: Using \Pi
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
% Using the Pi
Text with \Pi
\end{document}Common Use Cases
The Pi symbol is commonly used in the following contexts:
Circle Properties
Used for circumference and area of circles.
Code
Circumference: $C = 2\pi r$, Area: $A = \pi r^2$Output
Circumference: C = 2πr, Area: A = πr²
Trigonometric Functions
Used in radian measure for angles.
Code
Full rotation: $2\pi$ radians = $360°$Output
Full rotation: 2π radians = 360°
Mathematical Constant
Used as the numerical constant.
Code
The value of $\pi \approx 3.14159$Output
The value of π ≈ 3.14159
Product Notation
Uppercase pi for products.
Code
Product notation: $\Pi_{i=1}^{n} a_i$Output
Product notation: Π(i=1 to n) a_i
Complete Examples
Circle Formulas
Basic circle formulas using pi
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
The area of a circle with radius $r$ is $A = \pi r^2$.
The circumference is $C = 2\pi r$.
\end{document}Product Notation
Using uppercase pi for products
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
The product notation: $\Pi_{i=1}^{n} (1 + x_i)$
\end{document}Frequently Asked Questions
Which method should I use?
We recommend using the method marked as "Recommended" above. However, the best method depends on your specific needs:
- \pi: Lowercase pi (approximately 3.14159)
- \Pi: Uppercase pi (product notation)
Where do I use this symbol?
This symbol can be used:
- In mathematical equations (math mode)
- In regular text (if using text mode)
- In various document environments
Can I use this in display mode?
Yes, symbols that work in math mode (between $ $) also work in display mode (between $$ $$). This allows you to display the symbol on its own line with larger formatting.
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