---
tag: 0NF6GQNXMY
kind: concept
name: Curl
aliases: [rotation-of-a-vector-field, rot]
msc: [26B12]
uses: [0299VCW1TH, 09EGC6F8PT]
sources:
  - url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curl_(mathematics)
    locator: Definition
same_as:
  wikidata: Q206310
  wikipedia: Curl (mathematics)
---

## Summary

The curl of a differentiable [[vector field|0299VCW1TH]] in $\mathbb{R}^3$ is a vector field that measures the rotation of the field at each point.
Its direction is the axis of the strongest rotation, by the right-hand rule, and its length measures the rate of rotation.