The fastest way to number an equation in Word for Microsoft 365 is to type the equation in an equation box (press Alt + =), then type #(1) at the end and press Enter. Word centers the equation and puts (1) at the right margin. For numbers that update automatically when you add or move equations, use References > Insert Caption with the Equation label, usually inside a borderless three-column table so the equation stays centered and the number sits on the right.
Here’s how both methods work, how to refer to an equation in your text, and how to include chapter numbers like (2.1).
Which method should you use?
| Method | Updates automatically? | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| #(1) in the equation | No, you type each number | Short documents with a few equations |
| Insert Caption (Equation) | Yes | Theses, reports, and papers with many equations |
Method 1: Type #(number) after the equation
- Press Alt + = to insert an equation, or click Insert > Equation.
- Type your equation, for example E=1/2 mv^2.
- At the end, type #(1).
- Press Enter. Word displays the equation centered with (1) on the right.
This works in Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2021, and Word 2019 with updates. The equation must be on its own line (display mode). You’ll need to renumber manually if you insert a new equation earlier in the document.
Method 2: Automatic numbering with captions
- Click Insert > Table and insert a 3 x 1 table (three columns, one row).
- Put your equation in the middle cell and center it.
- Click in the right cell, then go to References > Insert Caption.
- Set Label to Equation. Check Exclude label from caption so only the number appears.
- Click OK. Word inserts a number field, like 1.
- Type parentheses around the number and right-align the cell.
- Select the table and choose Table Design > Borders > No Border.
Copy the table for each new equation and update the caption. Press Ctrl + A, then F9, to renumber everything after adding or moving equations.
Tip: Save the finished table as a building block (Insert > Quick Parts > Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery) so you can insert numbered equations in two clicks.
How to refer to an equation in your text
- Click where you want the reference, like “as shown in Equation”.
- Go to References > Cross-reference.
- Set Reference type to Equation and Insert reference to to Only label and number (or Entire caption).
- Pick the equation and click Insert.
Cross-references update when you press F9. See how to cross-reference in Word.
Include chapter numbers, like (2.1)
- Apply numbered Heading 1 styles to your chapters (Home > Multilevel List).
- In Insert Caption, click Numbering.
- Check Include chapter number, choose Heading 1, and pick a separator such as a period.
Troubleshooting
- #(1) shows as text: The equation isn’t in display mode. Make sure it’s on its own line, and use a recent version of Word.
- Numbers show {SEQ Equation}: Field codes are visible. Press Alt + F9 to toggle them off.
- Numbers are out of order: Select all and press F9.
For simple exponents outside equations, see how to make an exponent in Word.
Frequently asked questions
Can I number equations in Word for Mac?
Yes. Both methods work in Word for Microsoft 365 on Mac. Insert Caption is under Insert > Caption on some versions.
Why use a table?
It keeps the equation centered and the number aligned on the right, even when equations have different widths.
How do I remove equation numbers?
Delete the #(number) text, or delete the caption fields in the table’s right column.
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.