The LaTeX command for partial (∂) is \partial (partial derivative).
\partialWriting a paper? The table generator and the BibTeX cleaner are one click away, no account.
| Command | Package | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} recommended | none | First partial derivative. |
\frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial x \, \partial y} | none | Mixed second derivative. |
\partial_x f | none | Subscript shorthand, common in physics. |
\pdv{f}{x} | physics | Shortcut from the physics package. |
Write \partial inside math mode, that is between $…$ for inline math or in a \[ … \] or equation block for display math. It is part of core LaTeX math, so no extra package is required.
$\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial t^2} = c^2 \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2}$Open this example in the live preview: it renders as you type, with no compiler and no signup.
\delta (δ)\nabla (∇): gradient / del operator\Delta (Δ)Calculus and analysis symbols in LaTeX: the full table or search all 350+ LaTeX symbols.
Use \partial in math mode; it needs no extra package. For example, $\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial t^2} = c^2 \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2}$.
None: \partial is built into LaTeX, so no extra package is required.
\delta and d are not partial derivatives: the curly symbol is \partial.