Vector Arrow in LaTeX (\vec{x})

Where it is used

Places a small right-pointing arrow over a single letter to mark it as a vector.

School physics and many engineering texts write vectors as \vec{F}, \vec{v} or \vec{r}, while pure mathematics more often uses bold \mathbf{v} or plain letters. The arrow has a fixed size meant for one character; over two points such as AB it looks cramped, so use \overrightarrow{AB} instead. The arrow sits slightly right of center over italic letters to follow their slant. Combining it with a hat for unit vectors (\hat{\vec{x}}) works but stacks tall, so many writers use \hat{\mathbf{x}}.

Also listed under: Linear Algebra

Minimal compilable example

Paste this into an empty .tex file and compile it with pdfLaTeX, XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX.

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
Vector Arrow: $\vec{x}$

\[ \vec{F} = m\vec{a} = \frac{d\vec{p}}{dt} \]
\end{document}

Related symbols

• Wide Vector\overrightarrow{AB}
• Underline\underline{xyz}
• Left Vector\overleftarrow{AB}
• Overline\overline{xyz}
• Line Arrow (over AB)\overleftrightarrow{AB}
• Bar\bar{x}

Frequently asked questions

How do I write Vector Arrow in LaTeX?

Type \vec{x} in math mode, for example $\vec{F} = m\vec{a} = \frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}$. It works in plain LaTeX without loading any package.

Which package do I need for \vec{x}?

None. \vec{x} is part of standard LaTeX, so it compiles with nothing in the preamble but the document class.

Can I use \vec{x} in text mode, or only in math mode?

Only in math mode. Outside $...$ LaTeX stops with "Missing $ inserted", so write $\vec{x}$ in running text.