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Math equation shortcuts: type math symbols fast in MS Word

Writing equations symbol by symbol is slow. This free course shows you, step by step, how to open an equation in Microsoft Word, set it up, and type 82 math symbols with short codes like \pi and \sqrt, plus fractions and matrices. No computer experience needed.

3 steps, 10 short lessons Word, PowerPoint and OneNote No sign-in

Learn the shortcuts in 3 steps

Do the steps in order. Your progress is saved on this device, so you can stop and come back.

Practice page, like a Word document Question 1. Solve for x: Click here first

Open equation mode: press Alt and = together

Shortcuts only work inside an equation. In Word, this key pair opens an equation box where you type math.

  1. Click inside the practice page.
  2. Hold down Alt. It is next to the Space bar, on the left.
  3. Keep holding it and press = once. It is on the top row, just left of Backspace.
Start by clicking inside the practice page, like clicking inside a Word page.
On a Mac, Word uses Control and = instead.

How to type an equation in Word

  1. 1 Start an equation In Word, press Alt and = together. An equation box appears where you can type math, and the Equation tab opens at the top.
  2. 2 Choose Unicode, not LaTeX On the Equation tab, in the Conversions group, click Unicode. If LaTeX is selected, a shortcut like \pi stays as plain text when you press Space. Word remembers this setting.
  3. 3 Type a shortcut and press Space Type \pi and press Space to get π. Every symbol shortcut starts with \, the backslash key just above Enter.
  4. 4 Fractions, powers and subscripts Type a/b for a fraction, x^2 for a power and x_1 for a subscript, then press Space. Use brackets to group, like (x+1)/(x-1).
  5. 5 Leave the equation Press the right arrow key to move out of a fraction or power, and again to leave the equation box.

Build any matrix

Make a matrix of any size with your own numbers, and see exactly what to type in Word.

1. Choose the size4 × 2
Rows go across, columns go down. Click or tap a square in the grid.
Common sizes:
2. Choose the brackets
The most common style in textbooks.
3. Fill in your numbers ·
Click any box to type your own number or letter.
4. Type this in a Word equation, then press Space
(\matrixSpace(1&2@3&4@5&6@7&8))
Spacepress Space here & moves to the next column @ starts a new row

All Word equation shortcuts

Open a group to see its shortcuts, or search. Type them inside a Word equation and press Space. Where you see ␣, press Space at that point too, then type the rest. Capital letters matter: \delta gives δ and \Delta gives Δ.

  • α \alpha Alpha
  • β \beta Beta
  • γ \gamma Gamma
  • δ \delta Delta
  • ε \epsilon Epsilon
  • θ \theta Theta
  • λ \lambda Lambda
  • μ \mu Mu
  • π \pi Pi
  • σ \sigma Sigma
  • φ \phi Phi
  • ω \omega Omega
  • Δ \Delta Capital delta
  • Σ \Sigma Capital sigma
  • Ω \Omega Capital omega
  • Π \Pi Capital pi

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Questions about Word math shortcuts

The shortcuts are part of Microsoft Office and work the same in Word, PowerPoint and OneNote.

How do I start an equation in Word?

Press Alt and = together. You can also go to Insert and choose Equation. Then type shortcuts like \sqrt or \pi and press Space.

Why does \delta give a small letter and \Delta a capital?

The shortcuts follow capital letters. Start the name with a capital letter, like \Delta or \Sigma, to get the capital Greek letter.

How do I type a fraction or a power?

Type a/b and press Space for a fraction, x^2 for a power and x_1 for a subscript. Put longer parts in brackets, like (x+1)/(x-1) or e^(x+1).

My shortcut stays as text. What is wrong?

Check two things. First, you must be inside an equation box, so press Alt and = before typing. Second, on the Equation tab, Unicode must be selected in the Conversions group. If LaTeX is selected, shortcuts stay as text when you press Space.

How do I put limits on an integral or a sum?

Do it in two parts. Type \int and press Space so Word shows ∫. Then type _a^b and press Space again. For a sum, type \sum, press Space, then type _(i=1)^n and press Space. _ sets the bottom value and ^ the top value.

How do I type a matrix in Word?

Type \matrix and press Space. Then type the entries in brackets, using & between columns and @ between rows, like (a&b@c&d), and press Space. For brackets around the matrix, type ( before \matrix and ) at the end. The matrix builder on this page shows exactly what to type for any size.

Do these shortcuts work in PowerPoint too?

Yes. The same equation shortcuts work in Word, PowerPoint and OneNote.

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