How to write latex output in the label of plot?

Question

I am using Python library matplotlib for generating a plot where I need to write some mathematical equations as x and y labels. Is there any way to put the latex code in the matplotlib so that it renders the beautiful equation?

E.g. x/N should be shown as output of \frac{x}{N}.

Answer 1

Matplotlib supports LaTeX-like syntax in its labels using raw strings with dollar signs ($) to indicate math mode. Here’s how you can do it for your specific case:

plt.xlabel(r"$\frac{x}{N}$")

Always use a raw string (r"...") to avoid Python interpreting backslashes, and surround the LaTeX expression with $...$ so matplotlib renders it in math mode.

Here is another example:

plt.ylabel(r"$\hat{p}_2^{(x)} - \hat{p}_2$")