Lambda in LaTeX

The LaTeX command for lambda (λ) is \lambda. The capital form Λ is \Lambda.

\lambda

Greek Lowercase · Unicode λ (U+03BB) · no package needed

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Which command should you use?

Command	Package	Use it when
`\lambda` recommended	none	Lowercase: eigenvalues, wavelength, rates.
`\Lambda`	none	Capital lambda.
`\boldsymbol{\lambda}`	`amsmath`	Bold, for a vector of parameters.
`\uplambda`	`upgreek`	Upright lambda, as ISO style asks for constants.

Table 1. Ways to write lambda in LaTeX. Every line was compiled with pdfLaTeX (TeX Live 2026) loading only the package shown.

Common mistake. \mathbf{\lambda} stays thin: \mathbf only changes Latin letters and digits. Use \boldsymbol (amsmath) or \bm (bm).

How to type Lambda

Write \lambda inside math mode, that is between $…$ for inline math or in a \[ … \] or equation block for display math. It is part of core LaTeX math, so no extra package is required.

Example

$A v = \lambda v$

A v = \lambda v

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Related Greek Lowercase symbols

\zeta\eta\theta\vartheta\iota\kappa\varkappa\mu\nu\xi\pi\varpi\rho\varrho

Lowercase Greek letters in LaTeX: the full table or search all 350+ LaTeX symbols.

FAQ

How do you write lambda (λ) in LaTeX?

Use \lambda in math mode; it needs no extra package. For example, $A v = \lambda v$.

Which package provides \lambda?

None: \lambda is built into LaTeX, so no extra package is required.

What is the most common mistake with lambda in LaTeX?

\mathbf{\lambda} stays thin: \mathbf only changes Latin letters and digits. Use \boldsymbol (amsmath) or \bm (bm).