Word has a full equation editor built in, so you can write fractions, exponents, square roots, integrals and matrices that look like they came from a math textbook. You can insert a ready-made formula, type an equation using shortcuts, write it by hand with a pen or mouse, or, in Microsoft 365, type it in LaTeX. This guide covers each method, plus how to format and reuse equations.
Quick answer
Click where you want the equation and press Alt + = (or go to Insert > Equation). An equation box appears with the Equation tab open. Type your equation, using the tab’s symbols and structures, then click outside the box when you are done.
Method 1: Insert a built-in equation
- Click where you want the equation.
- Go to Insert and click the arrow below Equation.
- Choose a built-in equation, such as the Quadratic Formula, Pythagorean Theorem or Area of Circle.
- Click inside it to edit any part.
Method 2: Build an equation with the Equation tab
- Press Alt + = to insert an empty equation box.
- On the Equation tab, use the Structures group to add a Fraction, Script (superscript and subscript), Radical, Integral, Large Operator, Bracket or Matrix.
- Click each placeholder box in the structure and type the numbers or variables.
- Use the Symbols gallery for Greek letters, operators and arrows.
Method 3: Type equations with shortcuts
Inside an equation box, Word understands a simple typing format and converts it when you press Space:
- x^2 becomes x squared.
- a/b becomes a stacked fraction.
- x_1 becomes x with a subscript 1.
- \sqrt(x) becomes a square root.
- \alpha, \beta, \pi become Greek letters.
- \int and \sum insert integral and summation signs.
This is usually the fastest way to write equations once you know a few shortcuts.
Method 4: Write the equation by hand
- Insert an equation box with Alt + =.
- On the Equation tab, click Ink Equation (called Ink Equation or Math Input Control depending on your version).
- Write the equation with a mouse, pen or finger. Word shows a preview of what it recognizes.
- Use Erase or Select and Correct to fix mistakes, then click Insert.
Method 5: Type LaTeX (Microsoft 365)
If you already know LaTeX, Word for Microsoft 365 can accept it directly. In the equation box, open the Conversions group on the Equation tab, choose LaTeX as the input format, type your LaTeX (for example \frac{a}{b}), and choose Convert > Professional.
Format and reuse equations
- Inline or on its own line: click the arrow at the right of the equation box and choose Change to Inline or Change to Display.
- Font size: select the equation and change the size on the Home tab.
- Save for later: click the equation box arrow and choose Save as New Equation. It then appears in the Insert > Equation gallery.
- Number equations: see how to number equations in Word.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Equation button greyed out?
The document is probably in Compatibility Mode (an older .doc file). Go to File > Info > Convert to update it to .docx, and the modern equation editor becomes available.
Can I insert equations in Word for Mac and Word for the web?
Yes. Word for Mac has Insert > Equation with the same tools. Word for the web also supports equations, though some features such as Ink Equation may be limited.
Why does my equation look different on another computer?
Equations use the Cambria Math font. If the other computer or app does not support it, the layout may change. Saving as PDF keeps the equation exactly as it appears.
Can I copy an equation into PowerPoint or Outlook?
Yes. Copy the equation box and paste it; PowerPoint and Outlook use the same equation editor, so it stays editable.
Just need a simple fraction?
For a fraction in normal text, an equation may be overkill. See how to do fractions on Word and how to put a fraction in a Word document.
Summary
- Press Alt + = or use Insert > Equation.
- Pick a built-in equation or build one with Structures and Symbols.
- Type shortcuts like x^2 and a/b, then press Space.
- Use Ink Equation to write by hand, or LaTeX in Microsoft 365.
- Save equations you use often to the gallery.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.