# Notationally, what is the difference between $\Pr(X = x)$ and $P(X = x)$? When should I use each?

I'm talking specifically about probability theory. I was reading some stuff about probabilistic graphical models, and they kept switching the notation in this book, but I couldn't discern the difference by context.

One possible hypothesis is that they are subtly different, e.g., $P$ is a probability measure, while $\Pr$ is an unnormalized probability measure (or something; I really have no idea).

-
If there's a difference, your book should mention it. Did you look at the beginning of the book? –  Graphth May 11 '12 at 20:55
Well, the notational difference is that one has an $r$ and the other doesn't ... –  Neal May 11 '12 at 20:59
I would guess sloppy writing, or at best, poor choice of symbols. –  copper.hat May 11 '12 at 21:18
@Graphth, sure did! They didn't mention the difference. –  apc May 11 '12 at 21:25
Which book is that? –  Did May 13 '12 at 10:01

## 1 Answer

In general, $Pr(.)$ is used for the probability of an event whereas $p(.)$ is used as a probability measure.

That said, notation in statistics is pretty diverse (also known as a giant mess if you're a student), so always check the book you're reading.

-