LaTeX error · Commands, braces and arguments

Too many }'s.

The error in the log

This is how the message appears in the .log file (and in the compile output). The line starting with l. is the line number where TeX noticed the problem; the real mistake is there or just before it.

! Too many }'s.
l.5 This sentence is fine.}
                           

Why it happens

• A command deleted together with its opening brace but not its closing brace.
• Copy-pasted text that ended mid-group, bringing one } too many.
• A } meant to be printed, which needs \}.

How to fix it

Remove the brace TeX points at, or restore the opening { (or command) it was meant to close. If you meant a visible brace, write \}.

Broken: reproduces the error

\documentclass{article}

\begin{document}

This sentence is fine.}

\end{document}

Fixed: compiles cleanly

\documentclass{article}

\begin{document}

This sentence is fine.

\end{document}

Related errors

• Extra }, or forgotten $ – A } with no matching {, or a group that crosses a $ boundary.
• Missing } inserted – A brace group was still open when math mode or a table cell ended.
• Runaway argument – A command argument that never ends: its closing brace is missing.
• All LaTeX errors and warnings – The full list, grouped by cause

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get Too many }'s instead of Extra }?

Which message you get depends on where the brace is. When no group is open at all (in the body of the document) TeX says Too many }'s; inside a formula it says Extra }, or forgotten $, and inside an environment such as itemize it says Extra }, or forgotten \endgroup.

Does Too many }'s break the PDF?

TeX ignores the extra brace and continues, so the PDF usually looks right. Still remove it: a stray brace can close a group you meant to keep open and change fonts or settings for the rest of the document.

How do I find the stray brace quickly?

Go to the line number after l. in the log. The brace is at the end of the first part of that line, where TeX broke it.