Using formulas in Word can be complicated and, at the same time, simple. But why? there are several ways to insert formulas in Word. Sometimes you don’t need to create a new one, and the formula exists in the Microsoft Word Equation.
So in this article will explain everything you need about Microsoft Word formulas, such as creating a new one, removing, editing, etc.
Fast Access:
- How to use premade formulas in Word?
- How do I insert a custom formula in Word?
- Insert a built-in formula and customize it
- Insert new formula with writing
- How to create a new formula with drawing?
- How to remove formulas in Microsoft Word?
- How to edit formulas in Word?
- Equation Tool Design tab
- How to justify a formula?
- How to move a formula?
- How to change the display of formulas in Word?
- How to save a custom formula?
- How to change a formula’s color?
How to use premade formulas in Word?
As previously mentioned, there are a lot of built-in formulas in Word, and also you can find more in Office.com, an option in Word. Sometimes you don’t need to create a new one, and you can use these built-in formulas.
Path: go to the Insert tab in the ribbon > click on the Equation in the Symbols group > select a formula from the drop-down box
Notice: when you click on the Equation, a drop-down box will appear. You can see the built-in formulas in the first section, and also you can find more by hovering or clicking on “More Equation from Office.com.”
Select one of them and use it.
Notice: when you click on the formula, the “Equation Tools Design” tab will appear on the ribbon. In this tab, you can insert symbols, structures, etc. we will explain more in the following sections.
How do I insert a custom formula in Word?
There are three ways to create a custom formula.
- insert a built-in formula and customize it
- write a formula
- draw a formula
Insert a built-in formula and customize it
Path: same as before, find a formula and insert it > click on it to open the “Equation Tools Design” tab > customize the formula to what you want
As you know, built-in formulas can be so helpful. Before creating a new one, check if it exists in the built-in Equation or maybe some formula is close to what you need.
If you find a formula close to yours, insert it and go to the “Equation Tools Design” tab and customize it.
In the following sections, I explain how to edit formulas.
Notice: if it’s hard to click on the formula elements to edit, use the arrow buttons on the keyboard to move between different elements.
Insert new formula with writing
Path: go to the Insert tab > click on the Equation in the symbols group > click on the “Insert New Equation”
When you click on the “Insert New Equation,” Microsoft word will create a field where you can create your formula. The Equation Tool Design tab will open when you click on this field. This tab has four groups that let you create a custom formula, Symbols, Equations, Conversions, and Tools.
How to create a new formula with drawing?
Path: go to the Insert tab > click on the Equation in the symbols group > click on the Ink Equation > draw your formula > click on the insert button
When you click “Ink Equation,” the “Math Input Control” window will open. You can easily draw your formula, and Microsoft Word will automatically detect your formula.
How to remove formulas in Microsoft Word?
Path: select the formula > press the Backspace or delete button on the keyboard
Notice: if you don’t have access to the keyboard, right-click on the formula and cut it.
How to edit formulas in Word?
Path: click on the element you want to edit > delete the element and import a new element from the “Equation Tool Design” tab
Step 1: Click on the element you want to edit
Step 2: Delete the element
Step 3: import a new element from the “Equation Tool Design” tab
For example, you don’t want a Sin element in your formula, and you want a Cos instead, so click on the Sin element and delete it, then add a Cos from the “Equation Tool Design” tab.
I know it can be a little complicated at first. But it’s easy when you know where are the elements you need, and then you can insert them.
Equation Tool Design tab
The equation Tool tab has many features you should know when you want to create or edit a formula in Word. It has four main groups: Tools, Conversions, Symbols, and Structures.
Tools: in this group, you can insert built-in formulas or draw a formula the same as before.
Conversions: You can change the format of formulas and equations using the options in this section. You have access to formula structures from this part.
Symbols: In this group, you can choose different mathematical symbols such as radical, integral, etc.
Structures: this group is the most important section that provides many platforms you can use for your formula.
More about Equation in Microsoft Word
The Equation feature has a lot of option that you can use it. There are some useful options that you must know.
How to justify a formula?
Path: click on a formula > click on the arrow beside > justification > select where you want your formula to be.
How to move a formula?
Path: click on a formula > drag the three dots beside it and drop it everywhere you want
How to change the display of formulas in Word?
Path: Click on a formula > click on the arrow beside > there are four options that you can choose (Professional, Liner, All Professional, All Liner)
How to save a custom formula?
Path: Click on a formula > click on the arrow beside > click on the Save as a New Equation
When you click on the “Save as a New Equation,” a dialog box will appear that you must insert the information and then press OK.
How to change a formula’s color?
Path: select the formula > change the Text color from the Home tab > Font Color in the Font group
