---
tag: HN5HPY3H35
kind: concept
name: Lovász number
aliases: [lovasz-theta, lovasz-theta-function]
sources:
  - wikipedia: en:28111101@r1347342792
    locator: Lovász number
    note: adopted
    mention: wikipedia://en/28111101
    sections: [Summary]
same_as:
  wikidata: Q6692699
  wikipedia: Lovász number
inventory: [9P036D32ER]
---

## Summary

In graph theory, the **Lovász number** of a [[graph|00C0BR7D7H]] is a [[real number|08J2M1JYAG]] that is an upper bound on the Shannon capacity of the graph. It is also known as **Lovász theta function** and is commonly denoted by $\vartheta(G)$, using a script form of the Greek letter theta to contrast with the upright theta used for Shannon capacity. This quantity was first introduced by László Lovász in his 1979 paper *On the Shannon Capacity of a Graph*.