Spacing in math mode in LaTeX
LaTeX ignores the spaces you type in maths mode and sizes gaps itself, so to add extra space you use explicit spacing commands, \, (thin), \; (thick), \quad and \qquad (wide), and \! to pull two symbols closer together.
LaTeX command
\quadNot the symbol you meant? Draw it to find the command →
Inside a maths block, hitting the space bar does nothing, LaTeX's typesetting engine decides spacing around operators and relations automatically based on the symbols either side. When you want extra room, for example before a dx in an integral, you insert one of the spacing commands directly.
The commands form a small ladder from smallest to largest: \, (thin space, about 3/18 em), \; (thick, about 5/18 em), \quad (a full em, roughly the width of the current font's M), and \qquad (two ems). \! is the only negative one, it removes a thin space, handy for tightening symbols that look too loose next to each other.
The most common real use is \int f(x) \, dx, the thin space keeps the differential from crowding into the function. \quad or \qquad are the natural choice for separating a formula from trailing words or a second formula on the same line, rather than chaining several \, together.
Other forms
\,thin space\;thick space\qquaddouble quad\!negative thin spaceExamples
$\int f(x) \, dx$a thin space before dx
$a \quad b \qquad c$quad and double-quad gaps
$\{\, x \mid x > 0 \,\}$thin spaces framing set-builder notation
$\int\!\!\int_D f(x,y)\,dA$negative thin spaces tightening two integral signs
$5\,\text{km/h}$a thin space before a unit
Tips and common mistakes
- Typed spaces in maths mode are ignored, a b and a b render identically, always use a spacing command for a deliberate gap.
\,is the workhorse for tidying differentials (\,dx,\,dy) and slightly separating symbols that would otherwise touch.- Use
\quador\qquad, not a chain of\,\,\,\,, to separate a formula from trailing text or a second formula, it's clearer in the source and easier to adjust. \!removes space rather than adding it, useful for tightening two adjacent integral signs or a cramped double superscript, but overusing it makes an equation look squashed.- Inside
\text{...}ordinary typed spaces work normally again, since you're back in text mode; the no-spaces rule is specific to maths mode itself.
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Convert your maths to LaTeX →FAQ
Why don't my spaces show up in an equation?
Maths mode ignores literal spaces and spaces its own symbols automatically; use \,, \;, \quad or \qquad to insert a deliberate gap.
What's the difference between \quad and \qquad?
\qquad is exactly twice the width of \quad, both roughly the width of the current font's capital M; use \quad for a normal gap and \qquad when you want it doubled.
How much space does \, add?
\, is a thin space, about 3/18 of an em, the smallest of the standard spacing commands, typically used before a differential like dx.
How do I remove space instead of adding it?
Use \!, a negative thin space, it pulls the following symbol slightly closer, commonly seen tightening two consecutive integral signs or a cramped nested expression.