Mu (μ) in LaTeX
In LaTeX maths mode, \mu produces the lowercase Greek letter mu (μ). Uppercase Mu is identical to a Latin capital M, so there is no \Mu command.
LaTeX command
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Mu, \mu, is ubiquitous. In statistics it is the population mean of a distribution, contrasted with the sample mean \bar{x}. In physics it denotes the coefficient of friction, magnetic permeability, the chemical potential and the reduced mass, and it labels the muon particle. In measure theory a measure is typically written \mu.
Mu is also the SI prefix micro, as in micrometres or microseconds. In running text the recommended symbol is an upright mu; the upgreek package provides \upmu, or the siunitx package handles units directly. The plain \mu in maths mode is italic, which suits a variable but not strictly a unit prefix.
There is no uppercase command because the capital Greek Mu is drawn as a Roman M; type M, or \mathrm{M} for an upright shape. Take care not to confuse \mu (μ) with a Latin u or v; mu has a distinctive descending left stroke.
Other forms
\mulowercase muExamples
$\mu$lowercase mu inline
$\bar{x} \approx \mu$the sample mean estimates the population mean
$f = \mu N$friction force from the coefficient of friction
$X \sim \mathcal{N}(\mu, \sigma^2)$a normal distribution with mean mu
Tips and common mistakes
- There is no
\Mu; uppercase Greek Mu is a Latin M, so type M. - For the micro prefix in units, prefer
\upmu(upgreek) or siunitx; the italic\muis meant for variables. \muis maths-mode only; wrap it in .- For a bold mu (a mean vector) use
\boldsymbol{\mu}, not\mathbf. - Do not confuse
\muwith a Latin u or v; note its long descending left stroke.
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Convert your maths to LaTeX →FAQ
How do I type the micro symbol in LaTeX?
In maths mode \mu works but is italic; for an upright unit prefix use \upmu from the upgreek package, or let siunitx format the unit, for example \si{\micro\metre}.
Is there a capital mu command?
No. Uppercase Greek Mu is identical to the Latin M, so LaTeX has no \Mu; type M, or \mathrm{M} for upright.
What does mu mean in statistics?
Mu (μ) is the population mean, the true average of a distribution, distinguished from the sample mean written \bar{x}.