LaTeX (pronounced "LAY-tek" or "LAH-tek") is a typesetting system widely used in academia for producing scientific and mathematical documents. Its math mode provides unparalleled control over mathematical notation — from simple Greek letters to complex integrals and matrices. LaTeX commands like \alpha, \sum, or \int are the gold standard for writing math in research papers, theses, and textbooks. They're also supported by MathJax and KaTeX for rendering math on the web, making them essential for anyone writing technical content online.

In a LaTeX document, wrap math commands in math mode delimiters: use $...$ for inline math (e.g., $\alpha + \beta = \gamma$) or \[...\] / $$...$$ for display math on its own line. For web pages, include MathJax or KaTeX in your HTML, then use the same delimiters. Simply copy the command from this tool — click any symbol card — and paste it into your editor, Markdown file, or CMS.

Yes! Microsoft Word has a built-in equation editor (Alt+=) that supports LaTeX-style input — type a backslash command like \alpha and press Space to convert it. Google Docs supports LaTeX via Insert → Equation, and you can type backslash commands directly. For both, the commands on this page work as a quick reference. You can also use add-ons like "Auto-LaTeX Equations" for Google Docs to render full LaTeX blocks.

Inline math (using $...$) places mathematical expressions within a line of text — symbols are rendered smaller to fit the line height. Display math (using \[...\] or $$...$$) places the expression on its own centered line with larger symbols, ideal for important equations. Some commands like \sum and \int render differently in each mode: in inline mode, limits appear as subscripts/superscripts, while in display mode they appear above and below the symbol.

Absolutely. All LaTeX commands listed in this reference are standard and work with both MathJax (v2 and v3) and KaTeX. Both rendering engines support the core LaTeX math symbol set. KaTeX is generally faster but has a slightly smaller symbol set — if a niche symbol doesn't render, check KaTeX's documentation for supported commands. For the vast majority of use cases (Greek letters, operators, relations, arrows, set notation, calculus symbols), both engines work flawlessly.

Use the search bar at the top — type part of the symbol name (e.g., "alpha"), the LaTeX command (e.g., "\sum"), or even the symbol description. You can also browse by category using the pill-shaped tabs (Greek letters, operators, arrows, etc.). On mobile, swipe the category tabs horizontally to reveal more. Every symbol card is click-to-copy, so once you spot what you need, just tap it and paste.