In the names of monoclinic space groups, the first letter denotes the lattice type and the remaining part of the space group symbol indicates the symmetry with respect to the unique axis direction, i.e. axes parallel to the unique axis or planes perpendicular to it. Furthermore, the short form of the names of the monoclinic space groups ignore the two "1"s for the symmetry with respect to the other two axes.

As listed in Table 1470, for monoclinic space groups 3 - 15, one symbol gives the nature of the two-fold axis (rotation axis 2 or screw axis 2₁) or reflection plane (mirror plane m or glide plane c). Two settings are used for monoclinic space groups: y-axis unique or z-axis unique.

Table 1470. Monoclinic space groups 3 - 15.