How to Type ķ (K with cedilla) on LaTeX

Published May 30, 2026, 2 min read

ķ is k with cedilla, a letter used in Latvian. On LaTeX, the quickest way to get it is \c{k}. This guide covers every method that works, including the capital Ķ and fixes for common problems.

ķ on LaTeX: \c{k}

Ķ on LaTeX: \c{K}

Or copy it:

Method 1: LaTeX command

Write \c{k} in text mode. Load \usepackage[T1]{fontenc} for correct hyphenation and copy-paste from the PDF.

Method 2: Type the character directly

Since 2018 pdfLaTeX reads UTF-8 by default, so you can paste ķ into your source. On Overleaf, set the compiler in Menu → Compiler.

How to type the capital Ķ

The uppercase form works the same way with Shift added where a letter is typed.

LaTeX command

Write \c{K} in text mode. Load \usepackage[T1]{fontenc} for correct hyphenation and copy-paste from the PDF.

Type the character directly

Since 2018 pdfLaTeX reads UTF-8 by default, so you can paste Ķ into your source. On Overleaf, set the compiler in Menu → Compiler.

About the letter ķ

ķ is Unicode U+0137, named LATIN SMALL LETTER K WITH CEDILLA. It is used in Latvian. A small hook under a letter. ç gives a soft s sound in French, Portuguese, Catalan, Turkish and Albanian; Turkish also uses ş, and Latvian uses ģ, ķ, ļ, ņ. See the ķ character page for every code and shortcut.

Troubleshooting

Accents on i and j need the dotless forms \i and \j in old LaTeX; modern LaTeX handles this automatically.
If the letter is missing in the PDF, the font lacks it. Switch to XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX with a broader font.
Wrap commands in braces when the next character is a letter: \'{e}x, not \'ex.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut for ķ on LaTeX?

\c{k}.

Can I just copy and paste ķ?

Yes. Click the copy button above, then paste with Ctrl+V on Windows and Chromebook, Cmd+V on a Mac, or touch and hold and choose Paste on a phone.

What is the Unicode code for ķ?

U+0137. In HTML it is ķ.

Related guides

All accent shortcuts for LaTeX