LaTeX Kappa (κ) - Complete Guide

The Greek letter kappa (κ) is used in mathematics and physics for curvature, conductivity, and other quantities.

Symbol Preview

Kappa

LaTeX Code

Method 1: Using \kappa

No package required

Recommended

\kappa

Standard kappa symbol

What is the LaTeX Kappa?

Kappa is the tenth letter of the Greek alphabet. In differential geometry, it represents curvature. In physics, it can represent thermal conductivity or other properties. It appears in various scientific and mathematical contexts.

How to Use Kappa in LaTeX

Method 1: Using \kappa

✅No package required

Standard kappa symbol

Example: Using \kappa

latex

\documentclass{article}

\begin{document}

% Using the Kappa
Text with \kappa

\end{document}

Common Use Cases

The Kappa symbol is commonly used in the following contexts:

Curvature

Used in differential geometry for curvature.

Code

The curvature of a curve is $\kappa$.

Output

The curvature of a curve is κ.

Thermal Conductivity

Used in physics for thermal conductivity.

Code

Thermal conductivity: $\kappa = 50$ W/(m·K)

Output

Thermal conductivity: κ = 50 W/(m·K)

Complete Examples

Curvature Formula

Curvature formula using kappa

latex

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}

The curvature $\kappa$ of a curve is related to the second derivative: $\kappa = \frac{|f''(x)|}{(1+(f'(x))^2)^{3/2}}$.

\end{document}