HTML Entity for Partial Differential (∂)
What You'll Learn
How to display the Partial Differential symbol (∂) in HTML using hexadecimal, decimal, named entity, and CSS escape methods. This character is U+2202 (PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL) in the Mathematical Operators block (U+2200–U+22FF)—the standard notation for partial derivatives in calculus, physics, and engineering (e.g. ∂f/∂x).
Render it with ∂, ∂, the named entity ∂, or CSS escape \2202. Do not confuse ∂ with U+222B (∫, integral, ∫) or with lowercase letter d for ordinary derivatives.
⚡ Quick Reference — Partial Differential
U+2202Mathematical Operators (U+2200–U+22FF)
∂Hexadecimal reference
∂Decimal reference
∂Standard HTML named entity
Name Value
──────────── ──────────
Unicode U+2202
Hex code ∂
HTML code ∂
Named entity ∂
CSS code \2202
Also called Partial derivative symbol
Example ∂f/∂x
Related U+222B = integral (∫, ∫)
Block Mathematical Operators (U+2200–U+22FF)Complete HTML Example
A simple example showing ∂ using hexadecimal code, decimal HTML code, the named entity, and a CSS content escape:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
#point::after{
content: "\2202";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Partial differential (hex): ∂</p>
<p>Partial differential (decimal): ∂</p>
<p>Partial differential (named): ∂</p>
<p>Partial derivative: ∂f/∂x</p>
<p id="point">Partial differential (CSS): </p>
</body>
</html>🌐 Browser Support
The Partial Differential symbol (∂) is widely supported in all modern browsers:
👀 Live Preview
See the Partial Differential symbol (∂) in calculus and science contexts:
🧠 How It Works
Hexadecimal Code
∂ uses the Unicode hexadecimal value 2202 to display the partial differential symbol.
Decimal HTML Code
∂ uses the decimal Unicode value 8706 for the same character.
Named Entity
∂ is the standard HTML named entity for U+2202—readable and widely supported.
CSS Entity
\2202 is used in CSS stylesheets in the content property of pseudo-elements for decorative markers.
Partial differential result
All four methods render ∂. Unicode U+2202 in Mathematical Operators. Next: Partially Recycled Paper Symbol (♽).
Use Cases
The Partial Differential symbol (∂) is commonly used in:
Partial derivatives ∂f/∂x in multivariable calculus tutorials.
Wave equations, thermodynamics, and field notation on the web.
Technical docs, fluid dynamics, and optimization formulas.
Gradient and loss-function notation in ML and statistics articles.
Character pickers, entity documentation, and math symbol guides.
Pair ∂ with MathML or alt text for complex equations when possible.
💡 Best Practices
Do
- Use
∂when readability matters in HTML source - Use
∂or∂in numeric-only contexts - Set
<meta charset="utf-8">for reliable rendering - Use ∂ for partial derivatives, not ordinary
d - Pick one reference style per project for consistency
Don’t
- Confuse ∂ (partial differential) with ∫ (integral,
∫) - Use padded Unicode notation like U+02202—the correct value is
U+2202 - Use CSS escape
\2202in HTML text nodes - Substitute lowercase
dor Greek delta for proper ∂ notation - Assume every font renders Mathematical Operators identically—test your typeface
Key Takeaways
Four ways to render U+2202 in HTML and CSS
∂ ∂For CSS stylesheets, use \2202 in the content property
Unicode U+2202 — PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL (∂)
Standard for partial derivatives: ∂f/∂x
Previous: Parallel To (∥) Next: Partially Recycled Paper Symbol (♽)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
∂ (hex), ∂ (decimal), ∂ (named), or \2202 in CSS content. All four render ∂.U+2202 (PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL). Mathematical Operators block (U+2200–U+22FF). Hex 2202, decimal 8706, named ∂.∫ for integration. They are different calculus operators.partial-difference is kept for navigation continuity from older references; the character is the partial derivative operator ∂, not a “difference” operator.∂ for explicit entity references in tutorials and portable markup; use the literal character when your editor and pipeline support UTF-8 reliably.Explore More HTML Entities!
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