Mu (μ) Symbol
Copy and use the Mu symbol - both uppercase (Μ) and lowercase (μ)
Μ
μ
What is the Mu (μ) Symbol?
The Mu symbol (μ, Μ) is the 12th letter of the Greek alphabet. With a rich history dating back to ancient Greece, it has evolved to become one of the most widely used Greek letters in modern science and engineering. The symbol represents various concepts across different fields, from physics to mathematics, and serves as the official prefix for "micro" in the International System of Units (SI).
Historical Context
The Mu (μ) symbol originated in the ancient Greek alphabet around 800 BCE. It derives from the Phoenician letter "Mem," which represented water. The Greeks adapted this letter, simplifying its form to create what we now know as Mu.
Ancient Usage
- Used in ancient Greek manuscripts and inscriptions
- Represented the sound "m" in Classical Greek
- Appeared in early mathematical texts
- Found in philosophical writings
Modern Evolution
- Adopted by the scientific community in the 19th century
- Standardized as the micro prefix in 1960
- Integrated into Unicode standards
- Widely used in digital typography
Technical Specifications
Uppercase Μ
- Unicode: U+039C
- HTML Code: Μ
- HTML Entity: Μ
- UTF-8 Hex: CE 9C
Lowercase μ
- Unicode: U+03BC
- HTML Code: μ
- HTML Entity: μ
- UTF-8 Hex: CE BC
Compatible Fonts
Times New Roman
Arial
Helvetica
Georgia
Symbol
Computer Modern
How to Type the Mu Symbol
There are multiple ways to type the Mu symbol across different devices and operating systems. Choose the method that works best for your setup.
Windows
- Alt Code: Hold Alt and type 230 for μ (lowercase) or Alt + 924 for Μ (uppercase)
- Character Map: Search for "mu" in Windows Character Map (charmap.exe)
- Word/Office: Insert > Symbol > More Symbols > Greek and Coptic
- Windows 10/11: Windows key + . (period) to open emoji picker, then search for "mu"
macOS
- Keyboard Shortcut: Option + m for μ (lowercase)
- Character Viewer: Edit > Emoji & Symbols > search for "mu"
- Press Control + Command + Space to open Character Viewer quickly
- Use the Greek keyboard layout for typing all Greek letters
Mobile Devices
- iOS: Hold 'm' key to access special characters
- Android: Access symbols through keyboard's symbol section
- Install a Greek keyboard for full access to all Greek letters
- Use text replacement shortcuts in keyboard settings
Common Uses of the Mu Symbol
The Mu symbol has diverse applications across various scientific and technical fields. Here's a comprehensive overview of its most common uses.
Physics
Coefficient of Friction
F = μN
Where μ represents the friction coefficient between surfaces
Magnetic Permeability
B = μH
Where μ represents the magnetic permeability of a material
Statistics
Population Mean
μ = ∑x/N
Where μ represents the average of a population
Normal Distribution
f(x) = (1/σ√2π)e^(-(x-μ)²/2σ²)
Where μ represents the mean of the distribution
Chemistry
Dipole Moment
μ = qd
Where μ represents the electric dipole moment
Reduced Mass
μ = m₁m₂/(m₁+m₂)
Where μ represents the reduced mass of a system
Complete Greek Alphabet
The Greek alphabet consists of 24 letters, each with its own significance in various fields. Click any symbol to copy it to your clipboard.
| Letter Name | Uppercase | Lowercase |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha | ||
| Beta | ||
| Gamma | ||
| Delta | ||
| Epsilon | ||
| Zeta | ||
| Eta | ||
| Theta | ||
| Iota | ||
| Kappa | ||
| Lambda | ||
| Mu | ||
| Nu | ||
| Xi | ||
| Omicron | ||
| Pi | ||
| Rho | ||
| Sigma | ||
| Tau | ||
| Upsilon | ||
| Phi | ||
| Chi | ||
| Psi | ||
| Omega |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the Mu (μ) symbol?
The Mu (μ) symbol is the 12th letter of the Greek alphabet. In modern usage, it has multiple meanings: as a prefix for 'micro' (one millionth) in the metric system, representing the coefficient of friction in physics, denoting population mean in statistics, and indicating microns in measurements.
Why is the Mu symbol used for 'micro'?
The Mu symbol (μ) was chosen to represent 'micro' in the International System of Units (SI) because of its first letter connection to the Greek word 'μικρός' (mikrós), meaning 'small'. This prefix represents one millionth (1/1,000,000 or 10⁻⁶) of a unit.
How do I type the Mu symbol on my keyboard?
There are several ways to type the Mu symbol: On Windows, hold Alt and type 230 for lowercase μ. On Mac, press Option + m. You can also copy and paste the symbol from our website, or use your system's character map/emoji viewer.
What's the difference between Mu (μ) and u?
While they may look similar, Mu (μ) and the letter 'u' are different characters. The Mu symbol has a distinct descender (tail) and is used specifically for Greek text and scientific notation. Using 'u' instead of μ in scientific contexts is incorrect and can lead to confusion.
Can I use the Mu symbol in HTML?
Yes, you can use the Mu symbol in HTML using various methods: Entity references (μ for lowercase, Μ for uppercase), decimal references (μ for lowercase, Μ for uppercase), or by directly copying and pasting the symbol (μ, Μ).
Download Mu Symbol Images
Download high-quality Mu symbol images in various formats for your projects. All images are optimized for both digital and print use.
