> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/latex/latex-errors/23-misplaced-alignment-tab-character.md).

# Misplaced alignment tab character &

This error appears when the alignment character '&' is used incorrectly. The alignment character *&* is used to align elements in specific environments, such as *matrix*, *align*, *table* etc.

## Common Causes of Error

**Not writing \\&:**

When you want to use an ampersand *&* as a text character in your writing, such as in a title, you must write it as `\&`. If you fail to do this, you will get an error as shown below

```latex
The company is named `Michael & Sons'
```

main.tex, line 5

Misplaced alignment tab character &.

l.5 The company is named \`Michael & Sons' I can't figure out why you would want to use a tab mark here. If you just want an ampersand, the remedy is simple: Just type \`I\\&' now. But if some right brace up above has ended a previous alignment prematurely, you're probably due for more error messages, and you might try typing \`S' now just to see what is salvageable. \[1

To correct this error, change `&` to `\&`.

**Matrix macro used instead of amsmath:matrix:**

In the basic LaTeX distribution, there is a macro called *matrix*. This is often used incorrectly when what you really want to use is the *environment* matrix supplied by the *amsmath* package. If you forget to load the amsmath package and simply write

```latex
$$
\begin{matrix}
1 & 2 & 3 \\
4 & 5 & 6 \\
7 & 8 & 9
\end{matrix}
$$
```

then a *misplaced alignment tab* error message will appear. This is because this is not the correct way to use the *matrix* macro supplied by the LaTeX distribution. In order to resolve this problem, simply load the *amsmath* package.

```latex
% In your preamble (before \begin{document})
\usepackage{amsmath}

% In your document

$$
\begin{matrix}
1 & 2 & 3 \\
4 & 5 & 6 \\
7 & 8 & 9
\end{matrix}
$$
```

![Amsmathmacro.PNG](/files/Zx7n8YozixoVJUZoP1AN)


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