# How to make the limit (mathematics) sign?

I want to learn how to make the limit sign. For example, take 'Limit of f(x) as x approaches 2 is 5' , how to make this?

You are looking for \lim_{x \to 2} f(x) = 5. This has to be used in math mode which can be either inline mode (where the limit is placed as a subscript so that the inter line spacing of the paragraph is not perturbed):

or in display mode where the limits are placed underneath):

## Code:

\documentclass{article}

\begin{document}
With in line mode this is typeset as $\lim_{x \to 2} f(x) = 5$

\medskip
In display mode it is typset differently:
$\lim_{x \to 2} f(x) = 5$
\end{document}

• $\lim_{x\to 2} f(x)$ – JohnPhteven Oct 2 '12 at 7:18
• @ZafarS: Well that is if you want to use it in inline math. In display math, the $ is not used. The MWE should clarify that. If it is still not clear, please let me know. – Peter Grill Oct 2 '12 at 7:23 • Nice answer but it’s slightly odd that your example uses $…$ yet then you go on to refer to the question “Are $$ and $$ preferable to $?” – Konrad Rudolph Oct 2 '12 at 14:36
• You can get the same effect in inline mode (as in the display mode) if you use $\lim\limits_{x \to 2} f(x)=5$. – Sony Dec 15 '12 at 15:17
• @Sony: Good point, but usually better to not do that in inline mode as that disturbs the interline spacing. Thought about adding that to the answer but decided against it for that reason. – Peter Grill Dec 15 '12 at 19:41

You can also use:

$\displaystyle{\lim_{x \to \infty}}$


It's in the inline mode, plus the limit is placed underneath.

• \displaystyle does not take an argument; remove those braces, and note that this will also change the size of symbols such as summation and fractions. – egreg Jun 11 '16 at 9:21
• It's better to use $\lim\limits_{x \to \infty}$ for such a case. – Luke Collins Jan 13 '18 at 14:29

You can also use

$\stackrel{\mbox{lim}}{x \to 2} f(x) = 5$

• But why bother with your own construction when the \lim macro is already defined? – Ian Thompson Jun 11 '15 at 11:04
• I will perhaps cast my first downvote, here. – GuM Jun 11 '15 at 12:01
• I’m so sorry, but I really had to do it, as the answer is truly misleading: a limit is definitely not a \mathrel. – GuM Jun 11 '15 at 12:10