Mathematical Script Small A 𝒶

Visual Description: The character is a stylized lowercase a with flowing, calligraphic strokes. It has a rounded loop and a small tail that curls beneath the baseline. In fonts it stands out as a script letter, distinct from plain math variables. In UI, it can be rendered as a single glyph.

Meaning & Usage: It is used to mark special objects in math, often as a script variable or a denotation for a family of objects. It signals distinction from a standard a and from other letters. In formulas it may label sets, spaces, or constants with a script style. In some texts, readers interpret it as a variable with emphasis.

Historical Background: Script letters arose with the long history of mathematical notation and typography. They were used to distinguish objects in complex formulas and to add clarity in printed and hand-written work. With the rise of digital fonts, script letters became common in editors, calculators, and math apps. The idea is general, not tied to one era.

Practical Use: In practice, you insert this symbol by selecting a math script font, choosing the Unicode glyph, or using a shortcut in a UI. Designers and developers use it to label special variables, sets, or constants in formulas. Quick UI controls may switch styles or apply operations and comparisons to scripted letters.

See our category page for related symbols.

Look‑alikes: a (U+61).

Need styled alternatives? Try the Fancy Text tool.