Subset in LaTeX

The LaTeX command for subset (⊂) is \subset.

\subset

Relations · Unicode ⊂ (U+2282) · no package needed

Writing a paper? The table generator and the BibTeX cleaner are one click away, no account.

How to type Subset

Write \subset 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.

As a relation, \subset gets a thick space on each side, and a long inline formula may break after it. With unicode-math under XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX, typing ⊂ in a formula gives the same symbol. Not to be confused with \subseteq (⊆).

Example

$a \subset b$

a \subset b

Open this example in the live preview: it renders as you type, with no compiler and no signup.

Often confused with

Subseteq \subseteq (⊆)
Subsetneq \subsetneq (⊊): proper subset

Related Relations symbols

\nparallel\prec\succ\preceq\succeq\subseteq\supseteq\supset\subsetneq\sqsubseteq\sqsupseteq\in\notin\ni

Relation symbols in LaTeX: the full table or search all 350+ LaTeX symbols.

FAQ

How do you write subset (⊂) in LaTeX?

Use \subset in math mode; it needs no extra package. For example, $a \subset b$.

Which package provides \subset?

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

How to type Subset

Write \subset 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

$a \subset b$

a \subset b

Open this example in the live preview: it renders as you type, with no compiler and no signup.