LaTeX Math Symbols: The Complete Reference
By Shihab Shahriar Antor · Updated June 2026 · 9 min read
This is the complete LaTeX math symbol reference. Use math mode — inline $...$ or display \[...\] — and the commands below for Greek letters (\alpha, \beta), operators (\sum, \int), relations (\leq, \neq), arrows (\to, \Rightarrow), and set notation (\in, \subseteq). Most need the amsmath and amssymb packages. Copy any command straight into your document.
Math mode basics
Symbols only render inside math mode. Use $ ... $ for inline math, \[ ... \] for a centered display equation, and load \usepackage{amsmath, amssymb} for the full symbol set used below.
Greek letters
| Symbol | Command | Symbol | Command |
|---|---|---|---|
| α | \alpha | β | \beta |
| γ | \gamma | δ | \delta |
| θ | \theta | λ | \lambda |
| μ | \mu | π | \pi |
| σ | \sigma | φ | \phi |
| ω | \omega | Ω | \Omega |
Operators and big operators
| Symbol | Command | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ∑ | \sum | Summation |
| ∏ | \prod | Product |
| ∫ | \int | Integral |
| ∮ | \oint | Contour integral |
| √ | \sqrt{x} | Square root |
| ∂ | \partial | Partial derivative |
| ∇ | \nabla | Gradient / nabla |
Relations
| Symbol | Command | Symbol | Command |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ | \leq | ≥ | \geq |
| ≠ | \neq | ≈ | \approx |
| ≡ | \equiv | ∝ | \propto |
| ≪ | \ll | ≫ | \gg |
Arrows
| Symbol | Command | Symbol | Command |
|---|---|---|---|
| → | \to | ← | \gets |
| ⇒ | \Rightarrow | ⇔ | \Leftrightarrow |
| ↦ | \mapsto | ↔ | \leftrightarrow |
Set and logic notation
| Symbol | Command | Symbol | Command |
|---|---|---|---|
| ∈ | \in | ∉ | \notin |
| ⊆ | \subseteq | ⊂ | \subset |
| ∪ | \cup | ∩ | \cap |
| ∀ | \forall | ∃ | \exists |
| ∅ | \emptyset | ∞ | \infty |
Putting it together
\[
\nabla \mathcal{L} = -\sum_{i \in \mathcal{D}}
y_i \log \hat{y}_i \quad \forall\, \theta \geq 0
\]Can’t remember a symbol’s name? In LetX the live preview renders math as you type, so you confirm a symbol instantly. For full equation techniques, see how to write equations in LaTeX.
Preview LaTeX math live as you type — free.
Open LetX FreeFrequently asked questions
How do I write Greek letters in LaTeX?
In math mode, use the letter’s name as a command: \alpha, \beta, \gamma, \theta, \lambda, \pi, and so on. Capital forms like \Omega and \Sigma give uppercase letters. They only render inside $...$ or \[...\].
What package do I need for LaTeX math symbols?
Load amsmath and amssymb for the full set of operators, relations, arrows, and symbols. Basic symbols work without them, but most reference symbols (\therefore, \mapsto, blackboard letters) need amssymb.
How do I type the summation or integral symbol?
Use \sum for summation and \int for an integral, both in math mode. Add limits with subscripts/superscripts: \sum_{i=1}^{n} or \int_0^1.
Why do my math symbols not render?
Symbols must be inside math mode — $...$ inline or \[...\] for display. Outside math mode LaTeX treats commands like \alpha as text and errors. Also load amssymb for less common symbols.
Related
Written by Shihab Shahriar Antor — AI Engineer & Founder of Shahriar Labs. Builder of LetX (collaborative LaTeX) and QuantumSketch (AI STEM video).