How to write underscore (a_b) in LaTeX?

In this tutorial, you will learn how to print underscore in a LaTeX document with different methods. You can’t print this by using _ directly in your source code, because this symbol is used for superscript.

Underscore in LaTeX text mode

To get an underscore in LaTeX text mode, you can use the default command \textunderscore or <\_>. You can also use \_ but I recommend using this <\_>.

\documentclass \begin One\_two\_three Underscore<\_>in<\_>text Code\textunderscore Speedy \end

Output:

underscore

Underscore in LaTeX math mode

For math mode, you use the text mode commands <\_>or \textunderscore to print the underscore (Using <\_>is recommended in math mode). You can also use the \verb|| command to print anything without compiling that.

\documentclass \begin $$ One\_two\_three $$ $$ Underscore<\_>in<\_>mathmode $$ $$ Code\textunderscore Speedy $$ $$ \verb|A_B| $$ \end

Output:

$underscore in math mode.$

Long or a custom size underscore in LaTeX

If you want an underscore with a custom size, you can use the \underline<\hspace<>> command.

\documentclass \begin Name\underline<\hspace<3cm>> \hfill Date\underline<\hspace<3cm>> \end

Output: