# What is the difference between ~ (tilde) and \, (backslash comma) for a nonbreaking space? [duplicate]

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Regarding tiny nonbreaking spaces, is there a difference between using a ~ (tilde) and using \, (backslash comma)? If so, what is the difference, in terms of length, properties, situations where you would use one over the other, etc.?

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## 2 Answers

The difference between a normal unbreakable space and a thin unbreakable space: \, is 1/6em, while ~ is, if I'm not mistaken, what TeX denotes \fontdimen2, the interword space.

• I see. So the length of \, is fixed, but that of ~ is not. In that case, could ~ be shorter than \, in certain instances? – Nicholas Wong Sep 12 '17 at 10:21
• no, it can only be the interword space as lowest distance – user2478 Sep 12 '17 at 10:30
• The length of \, is fixed for a given font. – Bernard Sep 12 '17 at 10:33

5~kg will not be broken across lines but can be stretched, if needed by TeX: 5 kg. 5\,kg cannot be stretched.