How do you insert a checkmark in LaTeX?

You can insert a checkmark using the command \checkmark from the amssymb package. Add \usepackage{amssymb} in the preamble and write $\checkmark$ in the document.

Why does the \checkmark command not work?

The command does not work if the required package is missing. Loading the amssymb package fixes the issue.

How can I add a tick mark in a LaTeX table?

Load the amssymb package and use the command $\checkmark$ inside the table cell.

How to Insert a Checkmark (✓) in LaTeX Using Different Packages

Sometimes while writing a LaTeX document, you may want to add a checkmark (✓) to show a correct answer or completed task.

Many users try to use the command \checkmark directly, but LaTeX often returns an error like:

Undefined control sequence \checkmark

This happens because LaTeX does not include the checkmark command by default. To use this symbol, you need to load an external package that provides the command.

In this guide, we will see the different ways to add a checkmark symbol easily in a LaTeX document.

Table of Contents

Basic Checkmark Command
Checkmark Symbols from Different Packages
Creating Bold or Heavy Checkmarks
Using Checkmarks in Tables
Using Unicode Symbols
Conclusion

Basic Checkmark Command

The most common method is provided by the amssymb package, which includes many additional mathematical symbols.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amssymb}

\begin{document}

Correct answer: $\checkmark$

\end{document}

The command \checkmark works in math mode, so it should be placed inside $ ... $ or \[ ... \].

This is the simplest and most widely used approach for displaying a tick mark in a document.

Checkmark Symbols from Different Packages

Several LaTeX packages provide their own version of a checkmark symbol. Each one produces a slightly different visual style.

Package	Command
amsmath	`\checkmark`
MnSymbol	Same as
fdsymbol	Same as
boisik	Same as
bbding	`\Checkmark`
pifont	`\ding{51}`
arev	`\ballotcheck`
utfsym	`\usym{1F5F8}`

Depending on the package used, the appearance of the symbol may vary slightly.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{MnSymbol,utfsym,arev}
\begin{document}
   \[ \checkmark \]
   \[ \usym{1F5F8} \]
   \[ \ballotcheck \]
\end{document}

These commands generate different styles of tick marks.

Creating Bold or Heavy Checkmarks

In some documents, a thicker symbol may be preferable, especially in tables or presentations. A few packages offer heavier versions of the tick mark.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{stix,bbding,pifont,utfsym,fontawesome}
\begin{document}
   % Math mode commands   
   $ \checkmark $\\[6pt]
   $ \usym{2713}, \usym{2714} $\\[6pt]
   % Text mode commands
    \CheckmarkBold \\[6pt]
    \ding{52} \\[6pt]
    \faCheck 
\end{document}

Each command produces a slightly different style, allowing you to choose one that matches your document formatting.

Using Checkmarks in Tables

Tick marks are often used in comparison tables to indicate available features or correct answers.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amssymb}

\begin{document}

\begin{tabular}{c c}
Feature & Available \\
\hline
Option A & $\checkmark$ \\
Option B & $\checkmark$ \\
Option C & --- \\
\end{tabular}

\end{document}

This approach is commonly used in academic papers, reports, and documentation tables.

Using Unicode Symbols

If you are using modern engines like XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX, Unicode symbols can also be inserted.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{utfsym}

\begin{document}

$\usym{2713}$

$\usym{2714}$

\end{document}

These codes represent Unicode checkmarks and may appear slightly different depending on the font.

Conclusion

The amssymb package offers the most common solution, while other packages provide alternative styles such as bold or Unicode tick marks.

Depending on the design of your document, you can choose the version that best fits your formatting needs.