KaTeX vs MathJax (Which is better▾)
A practical guide to pick the best renderer for fast, textbook-style math equations on the web.
Quick comparison (KaTeX vs MathJax)
| Feature | KaTeX | MathJax |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast (great for blogs) | Slower but flexible |
| LaTeX support | Most common commands | Very high coverage |
| Output | HTML + CSS | HTML/CSS (and more) |
| Best for | SEO pages, static sites | Docs, textbooks, complex math |
Recommendation: Use KaTeX for speed and clean pages. Use MathJax when you need maximum LaTeX compatibility.
Which one should you choose for a textbook-style website▾
- KaTeX: best for fast loading and high Core Web Vitals.
- MathJax: best when you publish advanced LaTeX macros or uncommon symbols.
- Hybrid: render most pages with KaTeX, and keep MathJax only for special lessons.
MathsToHTML can generate HTML snippets that work with either renderer.
How to embed using MathsToHTML
- Type or paste your equation into the converter.
- Select display/inline mode.
- Copy the generated HTML snippet.
- Paste it into your website editor, WordPress HTML block, or CMS.
Frequently asked questions
Is KaTeX faster than MathJax▾
Yes. KaTeX is designed to render equations very quickly, which helps page speed and user experience.
Does KaTeX support all LaTeX commands▾
No. KaTeX supports most common LaTeX, but very complex macros may require MathJax.
Which is better for SEO▾
Both can work for SEO, but KaTeX is usually lighter and faster, which can help performance signals.
Can I use KaTeX and MathJax together▾
Yes. Many sites use KaTeX for most pages and MathJax only where needed.
Do I need JavaScript for KaTeX rendering▾
If you use KaTeX auto-render, yes. But you can also render server-side or pre-render snippets.
Does MathsToHTML work with both renderers▾
Yes. You can copy the output snippet and use it with KaTeX or MathJax depending on your setup.