Partial differential (∂) is the Mathematical Operators character at Unicode U+2202 (PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL). In calculus, ∂f/∂x denotes a partial derivative. HTML5 provides ∂ and ∂.
Remember
Character ∂
Unicode U+2202
Named entity ∂ (also ∂)
Hex entity ∂
Decimal ∂
CSS escape \2202
All of these produce the same glyph: ∂. Prefer ∂ for readable HTML; paste ∂ in UTF-8 when convenient.
Reference
Quick Reference
One table for every form you will actually use.
Form
Code
Where it goes
Named entity
∂
HTML markup (also ∂)
Hex entity
∂
HTML markup
Decimal entity
∂
HTML markup
Direct character
∂
HTML text (UTF-8 default)
CSS escape
\2202
Stylesheet content
When to Use Which
Situation
Use
Readable calculus in HTML
∂ or ∂
UTF-8 math text
Type or paste ∂
Numeric entity required
∂ or ∂
Generated text via ::before / ::after
content: "\2202"
Ordinary derivative (not partial)
Latin d (e.g. dy/dx)
See it
Live Preview
Partial differential rendered in common contexts.
Glyph∂
Large glyph∂
In a formula∂f/∂x
With entitiesNamed: ∂ | Hex: ∂ | Decimal: ∂
Related symbolsd (ordinary) · Δ (Δ) · ∇ (∇)
Code
Complete HTML Example
One page that shows partial differential with named, hex, decimal, direct, and CSS forms. Use View Output or open the live editor.
Using Named Entity: ∂
Using Hex Code: ∂
Using Decimal: ∂
Using Direct Character: ∂
Using CSS Entity: ∂
Partial derivative: ∂f/∂x
How It Works
1. Named:∂ (or ∂) is the clearest HTML form for U+2202.
2. Hex:U+2202 → ∂ in HTML. Reliable numeric form.
3. Decimal: same code point as 8706 → ∂. Same glyph.
4. Direct: paste ∂ in a UTF-8 file with <meta charset="UTF-8">.
5. CSS: use \2202 in content (not an HTML entity). #point::after appends that ∂ after the paragraph text.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with this calculus entity.
Name
Differential, not “difference”
Unicode name is PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL. The page URL uses “difference,” but the glyph is the calculus operator ∂.
Not d
Ordinary vs partial
Use Latin d for dy/dx. Use ∂ for ∂f/∂x.
Aliases
∂ = ∂
Both named forms map to U+2202. Pick one and stay consistent.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\2202 belongs in CSS. ∂ / ∂ / ∂ belong in HTML.
Semicolon
End references
Always finish with ; — write ∂, not &part.
UTF-8
Declare charset
If you paste ∂ directly, serve the page as UTF-8 with <meta charset="UTF-8">.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Partial differential (U+2202) and its entity forms (∂, ∂, ∂, CSS \\2202) are supported in all mainstream browsers. Glyph availability depends on the font.
✓ Universal support
Partial Differential (∂)
Prefer ∂, or encode with hex, decimal, or CSS escape — same glyph everywhere.
100%Browser coverage
Google ChromeSupported
Yes
Microsoft EdgeSupported
Yes
Mozilla FirefoxSupported
Yes
Apple SafariSupported
Yes
OperaSupported
Yes
Internet ExplorerAll versions
Yes
U+2202 / entitiesFull support
Bottom line: Prefer ∂ (or ∂) in HTML. Use ∂ / ∂ when a numeric form is required, and \\2202 only inside CSS content.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: partial differential is U+2202 (decimal 8706), Mathematical Operators.
HTML: prefer ∂ (alias ∂), or ∂ / ∂.
Use ∂ or ∂ (named), ∂ (hex), ∂ (decimal), type ∂ in UTF-8, or the CSS escape \2202 in content. All render ∂.
U+2202 (PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL). Hex 2202, decimal 8706. It belongs to Mathematical Operators and is used for partial derivatives in calculus.
Yes. HTML5 defines ∂ and ∂ (aliases for the same character). You can also use ∂ or ∂.
Use it in calculus and physics for ∂f/∂x style notation. Prefer ∂ for readable source. For ordinary English, write “partial derivative” in words.
HTML entities (∂, ∂, or ∂) go in markup. The CSS escape \2202 is used in stylesheets (usually in the content property of ::before/::after). Both render ∂.
Latin d is for ordinary derivatives (dy/dx). Δ (U+0394, Δ) is often change or Laplacian-related. ∂ (U+2202, ∂) is specifically the partial differential operator.
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Did you know?
Partial differential (∂) is Unicode U+2202 (decimal 8706) — PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL in Mathematical Operators. HTML5 provides ∂ (also ∂). Write ∂f/∂x for a partial derivative. The URL slug says “difference,” but the character is the calculus differential symbol.
