µ
Micro Sign
The micro sign (µ) represents the prefix 'micro' in scientific measurements, denoting one millionth (10⁻⁶) of a unit, and is essential for expressing precise measurements in science, engineering, and technology.
Technical Details
- ASCII Code
- 181
- HTML Entity
- µ
- Hexadecimal
- 0xB5
- Binary
- 10110101
- Octal
- 265
Usage & Examples
Programming
char symbol = 'µ'; // ASCII 181HTML/Web
µ or µCommon Uses
How to Type This Character
Windows
Mac
💡 Pro tip: The fastest way is to bookmark this page or copy the character from our ASCII library!
Related Characters
About the Micro Sign
Scientific Precision
Fundamental to scientific notation and measurement systems, representing incredibly small quantities in physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Essential for measurements like micrometers (µm), microseconds (µs), microamps (µA), and micrograms (µg).
International Standards
Officially recognized by the International System of Units (SI) and scientific organizations worldwide. The micro prefix is standardized across all scientific disciplines, ensuring consistent global communication of precise measurements.
Technological Applications
Critical in electronics, computer science, and nanotechnology where microscopic measurements are routine. Used in specifications for microprocessors, microchips, microcontrollers, and precision manufacturing tolerances.
Medical Significance
Essential in medical and pharmaceutical contexts for drug dosages, cellular measurements, and diagnostic procedures. Microscopic measurements using the µ symbol are vital for patient safety and treatment accuracy.
History of the Micro Sign
Greek Letter Mu
The symbol µ originated as the Greek letter mu (μ), the 12th letter of the Greek alphabet, used in mathematics and science since ancient times.
Metric System Creation
The French revolutionary metric system established the concept of decimal prefixes, laying groundwork for the micro prefix that would later use the µ symbol.
SI System Adoption
The International System of Units (SI) officially adopted µ as the symbol for the micro prefix, standardizing its use in scientific measurement worldwide.
Electronics Revolution
The microelectronics boom made µ ubiquitous in technology specifications, from microprocessors to microscopic circuit elements in consumer electronics.
Digital Integration
Computer systems and digital displays incorporated µ symbol support, enabling precise scientific notation in software, databases, and digital measurement instruments.
Cultural Impact
The micro sign became the gateway symbol to the microscopic world, enabling humanity to measure and understand phenomena at scales previously beyond comprehension, from atomic particles to cellular biology.
Usage Examples
Scientific Measurements
ExampleBiological measurements requiring microscopic precision
Electronics Specifications
ExampleElectronic component specifications and circuit design
Medical Dosages
ExamplePharmaceutical and medical dosage specifications
Laboratory Analysis
ExampleScientific research and laboratory measurement notation