Symbols and notation

Nabla symbol

Nabla is the vector differential operator used to write gradients, divergence and curl in multivariable calculus and mathematical physics.

Common notation ∇f; ∇·F; ∇×F

In one sentence

What does Nabla symbol mean?

Nabla is the vector differential operator used to write gradients, divergence and curl in multivariable calculus and mathematical physics.

How it is written

∇f; ∇·F; ∇×F

A compact example

The gradient ∇f points in the direction in which a scalar field f increases most rapidly.

Other names and search terms

∇, nabla, del operator, gradient symbol, upside-down delta.

Clear answers

Questions about Nabla symbol

What does Nabla symbol mean in mathematics?

Nabla is the vector differential operator used to write gradients, divergence and curl in multivariable calculus and mathematical physics.

How is Nabla symbol written?

A common notation is ∇f; ∇·F; ∇×F.

What is an example of Nabla symbol?

The gradient ∇f points in the direction in which a scalar field f increases most rapidly.