How to use LaTeX symbols
Every symbol in this cheatsheet is a LaTeX command. To use one, place it inside math mode — either inline with $...$ or display with \[ ... \].
% Inline math
The set of real numbers is denoted $\mathbb{R}$, and $\forall x \in \mathbb{R}$.
% Display math
\[ \int_0^\infty e^{-x^2}\,dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2} \]
% Aligned equations
\begin{align}
a^2 + b^2 &= c^2 \\
\sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta &= 1
\end{align}
For the blackboard-bold symbols (ℝ ℂ ℚ ℤ) you need \usepackage{amsfonts} in your preamble. Most other symbols are available via amsmath and amssymb.
Common LaTeX symbol questions
What is the LaTeX symbol for sum?
Use
\sum to render the summation symbol Σ. For an indexed sum write \sum_{i=1}^{n} x_i.What is the LaTeX symbol for the real numbers?
Use
\mathbb{R} to render the blackboard-bold ℝ. The amsfonts or amssymb package is required.How do I write Greek letters in LaTeX?
Type the name preceded by a backslash inside math mode:
\alpha gives α, \beta gives β, \Omega gives Ω. Capitalize the first letter for uppercase Greek.What is the LaTeX symbol for integral?
Use
\int. For a definite integral: \int_a^b f(x)\,dx. For double and triple integrals: \iint and \iiint.How do I write an arrow in LaTeX?
Common arrows:
\to or \rightarrow for →, \Rightarrow for ⇒, \leftrightarrow for ↔, \mapsto for ↦. All require math mode.What is the LaTeX symbol for infinity?
Use
\infty to render ∞ in math mode.How do I write 'belongs to' or set membership?
Use
\in for ∈ (belongs to) and \notin for ∉ (does not belong to). Both work in math mode.How do I write fractions in LaTeX?
Use
\frac{numerator}{denominator}. For display-size fractions use \dfrac{}{}.More LaTeX tools
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