How to Write Equations in Word
Typing maths as x^2 + 1/2 in normal text looks messy. Word's built-in equation editor turns it into properly formatted maths — fractions stacked, powers raised, square root signs that stretch.
Quick reference
| What you want | Type in an equation |
|---|---|
| New equation | Alt + = |
| Power | x^2 |
| Subscript | x_1 |
| Fraction | 1/2 then Space |
| Square root | \sqrt(x) then Space |
| Greek letters | \pi, \alpha, \theta |
1. Insert an equation
Press Alt + =, or go to Insert → Equation. A box appears that says Type equation here, and the Equation tab opens on the ribbon.
2. Type it naturally
Word converts as you type when you press Space:
• x^2 → x²
• a_n → aₙ
• (a+b)/c → a stacked fraction
• \sqrt(x+1) → a square root over x + 1
• \pi r^2 → πr²
• \times, \div, \pm → ×, ÷, ±
• \le, \ge, \ne → ≤, ≥, ≠
• a_n → aₙ
• (a+b)/c → a stacked fraction
• \sqrt(x+1) → a square root over x + 1
• \pi r^2 → πr²
• \times, \div, \pm → ×, ÷, ±
• \le, \ge, \ne → ≤, ≥, ≠
3. Use the Equation toolbar
Prefer to click? The Equation tab has templates in the Structures group: Fraction, Script, Radical, Integral, Large Operator, Bracket, Matrix and more. Choose one and fill in the dotted boxes.
The Symbols gallery has Greek letters, arrows and operators.
4. Ready-made equations
Click the arrow under Insert → Equation for common formulas — the area of a circle, Pythagoras, the quadratic formula and binomial theorem. Insert one and edit it.
5. Handwrite it
Go to Equation → Ink Equation (or Draw → Ink to Math). Write the equation with your mouse, finger or stylus. Word shows a live preview; click Insert when it's right.
6. Inline or on its own line
An equation on its own line is display style. To place one inside a sentence, click the equation's arrow and choose Change to Inline.
Troubleshooting
Letters are all in italics. That's normal for maths variables. Put words in "quotation marks" inside the equation to keep them upright.
Equations look different in older Word files. Old documents may use Equation Editor 3.0, which is no longer supported. Recreate them with Insert → Equation.
Wrapping up
Alt + =, type x^2 or 1/2, press Space. It's quicker than it looks.
