LaTeX Theta (θ) - Complete Guide

The Greek letter theta (θ/Θ) is one of the most commonly used Greek letters, representing angles in mathematics and physics.

Symbol Preview

Theta

LaTeX Code

Method 1: Using \theta

No package required

Recommended

\theta

Lowercase theta symbol

Method 2: Using \Theta

No package required

Recommended

\Theta

Uppercase theta symbol

Method 3: Using \vartheta

Requires: \usepackage{cmd.package}

\vartheta

Alternative theta symbol

What is the LaTeX Theta?

Theta is the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet. It is extensively used in mathematics and physics to represent angles, particularly in trigonometry, polar coordinates, and rotations. The uppercase form Θ is also used in computer science (big-O notation) and mathematics.

How to Use Theta in LaTeX

Method 1: Using \theta

✅No package required

Lowercase theta symbol

Example: Using \theta

latex

\documentclass{article}

\begin{document}

% Using the Theta
Text with \theta

\end{document}

Method 2: Using \Theta

✅No package required

Uppercase theta symbol

Example: Using \Theta

latex

\documentclass{article}

\begin{document}

% Using the Theta
Text with \Theta

\end{document}

Method 3: Using \vartheta

⚠️Required Package:

\usepackage{cmd.package}

Alternative theta symbol

Example: Using \vartheta

latex

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\begin{document}

% Using the Theta
Text with \vartheta

\end{document}

Common Use Cases

The Theta symbol is commonly used in the following contexts:

Angle in Trigonometry

Most common use for representing angles.

Code

The sine function: $\sin(\theta)$

Output

The sine function: sin(θ)

Polar Coordinates

Used for the angular coordinate.

Code

In polar coordinates: $(r, \theta)$

Output

In polar coordinates: (r, θ)

Rotation Angle

Represents rotation angles in geometry and physics.

Code

Rotation matrix for angle $\theta$

Output

Rotation matrix for angle θ

Complete Examples

Trigonometric Functions

Using theta in trigonometry

latex

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}

The trigonometric functions are:
$\sin(\theta)$, $\cos(\theta)$, and $\tan(\theta)$.

\end{document}

Polar Coordinates

Theta in polar coordinate conversion

latex

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}

Converting from polar to Cartesian:
$x = r\cos(\theta)$
$y = r\sin(\theta)$

\end{document}

Frequently Asked Questions

Which method should I use?

We recommend using the method marked as "Recommended" above. However, the best method depends on your specific needs:

\theta: Lowercase theta symbol
\Theta: Uppercase theta symbol
\vartheta: Alternative theta symbol

Where do I use this symbol?

This symbol can be used:

In mathematical equations (math mode)
In regular text (if using text mode)
In various document environments

Can I use this in display mode?

Yes, symbols that work in math mode (between $ $) also work in display mode (between $$ $$). This allows you to display the symbol on its own line with larger formatting.

🔗 Related Symbols You May Need

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\alpha

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