U+006Fooo<mo>o</mo>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- O — Big O
- xₖ — Iteration Value x Sub k
- ∞ — Infinity
Use o in the right format
Meaning and usage
Represents Little O asymptotic notation for describing growth, error, or limiting behavior.
State the limiting variable and comparison function; asymptotic notation is incomplete without its context.
Pronunciation: little o
Formula examples
o is used in a context where represents Little O asymptotic notation for describing growth, error, or limiting behavior.How to type Little O
- Windows
- Use Character Map or enter U+006F in a Unicode-aware application.
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search by the symbol name.
- Microsoft Word
- In an equation, type o and press Space when Word supports the command.
- iPhone and iPad
- Copy and paste o, or use a math/LaTeX app. The standard iOS keyboard may not expose every mathematical symbol.
- Android
- Copy and paste o, or use a math keyboard or LaTeX editor. Keyboard layouts vary by device and app.
- Google Docs
- For plain text, paste o or use Insert → Special characters. For structured math, use the equation editor and verify o.
- Excel
- Paste o into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.
Common mistakes
- Check whether o is acting as an operator, differential, index, or variable in the surrounding expression; State the limiting variable and comparison function; asymptotic notation is incomplete without its context.
- For plain text, copy o as U+006F; for structured equations, use o in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Little O.
When to use o
- Use o in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+006F.
- Use o in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Little O is used in numerical methods, calculus with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- O — Big O
- xₖ — Iteration Value x Sub k
- ∞ — Infinity
Font and compatibility notes
Glyph shape can vary by font. Verify the code point after copying, and prefer LaTeX or MathML for structured equations.
Continue the workflow
From Little O to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse o in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
ofor LaTeX or the MathML snippet for accessible web equations. - Edit or convertOpen the value in the editor or converter without retyping it.
Review and source notes
Quality tier: core
Last reviewed: 2026-07-26
Review method: Checked Little O against its Unicode identity, LaTeX representation, HTML serialization, MathML token, and copy-and-paste behavior.
Verified against: Unicode Standard, Unicode mathematical notation guidance, and established LaTeX/MathML syntax.
Reference sources
- The Unicode StandardUnicode Consortium — Character identity, encoding, names, and conformance.
- Unicode Character Code ChartsUnicode Consortium — Code points and official character charts.
- Unicode Technical Report #25: Unicode Support for MathematicsUnicode Consortium — Mathematical character usage, variants, and notation support.
- LaTeX Project DocumentationThe LaTeX Project — LaTeX syntax, authoring model, and official documentation links.
- MathML CoreW3C — Semantic web mathematics elements and browser behavior.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Little O symbol mean?
Represents Little O asymptotic notation for describing growth, error, or limiting behavior.
What is the LaTeX command for o?
Use o in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy o as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.