Microsoft Word provides built-in equations for quickly inserting common mathematical expressions by clicking "Insert" > "Equation." However, if you need to create custom equations - whether for academic papers, technical reports, or scientific documents - Word's Equation Editor and Equation Tool offer powerful ways to build and customize your own formulas.
In this guide, you'll learn how to insert and create equations in Word, use the Equation Tool efficiently, format your equations, and even save custom equations for future use.
Word provides two ways to insert and create equations. You can use the built-in Equation Editor to manually type equations or use the Ink Tool to handwrite them. Letβs explore these methods.
Insert equations using the Equation tool
If you want to create an equation by typing directly or using built-in mathematical structures, you can use the built-in Equation Tool.
Place the cursor where you want to create a formula.
Click on Insert > Equation (Ο symbol). Tip: Alternatively, you can use the shortcut key Alt + =.
A new equation box will appear in the document, along with the Equation tab.
Start typing your equation using:
Standard keyboard input:
Type the formula directly from your keyboard, such as "=a+b".
Tips:
Typing "a/b" and then pressing the space bar automatically formats it as a fraction with "a" on top of "b."
You can also group expressions using parentheses "( )" to ensure the correct order of operations.
You can insert symbols by typing "\symbolname" (e.g., "\alpha" for "Ξ±") and pressing the space bar, which automatically converts it into the corresponding mathematical symbol.
Built-in symbols and equation structures:
Use predefined templates for fractions, integrals, summations, and other mathematical expressions.
Press Enter or click outside the equation box to finalize the equation.
Insert Equations Using the Ink Tab
If you prefer handwriting your equations, Microsoft Word provides an Ink Equation tool. This is especially useful for touchscreen devices like tablets or laptops with stylus support.
Place the cursor where you want to insert a formula.
Select Insert > Equation > Ink Equation.
A "Math Input Control" window will appear. Use your mouse, stylus, or touchscreen to write the equation.
Tips:
As you write, Word will recognize your handwriting and convert it into a formatted equation.
If any part of the equation is misinterpreted, you can use the "Select and Correct" tool within the window to fix specific characters or symbols.
Click Insert to add the recognized equation to your document.
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If you frequently use certain equations, you can save them as custom equations for quick access later.
Click on the small drop-down arrow next to the equation box you want to save to the equation gallery.
Choose Save as New Equation.
Enter a name for your equation and specify the gallery, category, and description in the Create New Building Block dialog box. You can also choose where to store the equation for easy access in future documents.
Click OK to save it.
To reuse the equation: Go to Insert > Equation, and select it from the list.
Formatting and Editing Equations
Once you've inserted an equation in Word, you may need to adjust its appearance, format, or placement to ensure clarity and consistency. Below are some essential tools for refining your equations.
Switch between professional and linear equation formats
Microsoft Word provides two equation formats:
Professional Format: Displays the equation in a visually formatted style, similar to how it would appear in a math textbook.
Example:
Linear Format: Displays the equation in a plain text format using LaTeX-style notation.
Example: a/b + c^2
To switch between formats:
Select the small drop-down arrow next to an equation box in Microsoft Word, and you will see the following options:
Professional: Displays the selected equation in professional format.
Linear: Displays the selected equation in linear format.
All - Professional: Converts all equations in the document to professional format.
All - Linear: Converts all equations in the document to linear format.
Customize equation appearance (font, size, and style)
By default, equations use the Cambria Math font, but you can customize their appearance.
Select the equation.
On the Equation tab, enable the Text button in the Conversions group. Tip: Skip this step if you do not need to change the text font of the equation.
Go to the Home tab.
In the Font group, choose a different font, size, or style (bold, italic, etc.).
Adjust equation placement: Inline vs. display mode
You can choose whether equations appear inline with text or as a separate block (display mode):
Inline Mode: The equation stays within the paragraph.
Example:
Display Mode: The equation is centered on a new line, ideal for complex formulas.
Example:
To switch modes:
Select the equation and click the small dropdown menu on the equation box.
Choose Change to Inline or Change to Display.
Select All Equations in a Document
If you need to adjust the font size, color, or style of multiple equations at once, selecting all equations can save time. However, Microsoft Word does not offer a built-in method or workaround to do this efficiently.
With Kutools for Word, you can quickly select all equations in a document with just one click:
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In the Select group, click Paragraphs > Select Equations.
All equations in the document will be selected instantly.
Note: If you need to select equations within a specific section instead of the entire document, first highlight the desired portion, then apply this feature.
Above is all the relevant content related to creating and formatting equations in Microsoft Word. I hope you find the tutorial helpful. If you're looking to explore more Word tips and tricks, please click here to access our extensive collection of tutorials.
