HTML5 MathML
HTML5 MathML Complete Reference
This reference lists the presentation MathML elements you can use inside the HTML5 <math> root. The table covers token, layout, script and table elements, followed by a runnable example that combines several of them.
MathML Element Reference
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| <math> | Top-level root that wraps every MathML expression. |
| <mrow> | Groups sub-expressions horizontally as one unit. |
| <mi> | Identifier: variable, constant or function name. |
| <mn> | Numeric literal. |
| <mo> | Operator, fence or separator. |
| <mtext> | Ordinary text within a formula. |
| <ms> | String literal rendered inside quotes. |
| <mspace> | Blank space of a specified size. |
| <mfrac> | Fraction with numerator and denominator. |
| <msqrt> | Square root of its contents. |
| <mroot> | nth root with a radicand and index. |
| <msup> | Superscript (exponent). |
| <msub> | Subscript. |
| <msubsup> | Both subscript and superscript on a base. |
| <munder> | Object placed under a base. |
| <mover> | Object placed over a base. |
| <munderover> | Objects placed both under and over a base. |
| <mmultiscripts> | Multiple pre- and post-scripts on a base. |
| <mprescripts> | Marker inside mmultiscripts for left-side scripts. |
| <none> | Empty script slot inside mmultiscripts. |
| <mtable> | Table or matrix of rows and cells. |
| <mtr> | A row within an mtable. |
| <mlabeledtr> | A labelled table row for numbering. |
| <mtd> | A cell within a table row. |
| <mfenced> | Deprecated auto-bracketing wrapper. |
| <menclose> | Draws enclosing notation such as a box or strike. |
| <mpadded> | Adjusts spacing around its content. |
| <mphantom> | Reserves space but renders invisibly. |
| <mstyle> | Sets style attributes for a whole sub-expression. |
| <maction> | Binds an interactive action (legacy). |
| <merror> | Displays an error message. |
| <mglyph> | Displays a custom glyph or image. |
Example
This document uses <mrow>, <mfrac>, <msqrt>, <msup>, <mi>, <mn> and <mo> together to render the golden ratio.
Example
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>MathML Reference Example</title>
</head>
<body>
<math display="block">
<mrow>
<mi>φ</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mfrac>
<mrow>
<mn>1</mn><mo>+</mo>
<msqrt><mn>5</mn></msqrt>
</mrow>
<mn>2</mn>
</mfrac>
</mrow>
</math>
</body>
</html>ℹ️
Most elements here are part of MathML Core and render in modern Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari. A few (mfenced, maction, menclose, mglyph, mlabeledtr) are legacy or non-core with weaker support.
Key Takeaways
- Token elements hold symbols; layout and script elements arrange them.
- Tables (<mtable>, <mtr>, <mtd>) build matrices and aligned systems.
- Prefer MathML Core elements; treat mfenced and maction as legacy.