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How to Enable Equation Editor in Microsoft Word

Quick Tips
  • To perform calculations in Word, you can use the built-in equation editor, which saves you from having to enter the formula repeatedly.
  • To access the equation editor, go to Insert > Equation.
  • If the equation editor is missing, you may need to reset the ribbon by navigating to Word Options.

Enable Equation Editor on MS Word for Mac

Enabling the equation editor in Word for Mac users is immensely simple. Here is how to do so.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word. Then, select the Insert option on the toolbar at the top.

Equation Editor Mac

Step 2: Click on the Equations tab on the right-hand side of the page.

Equation Editor Mac

How to Insert an Equation on MS Word for Windows

If you own Microsoft 365, 2023, 2019, or 2016 versions of Word, you can use these steps to access the equation editor in your document.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word. Then, select the Insert option.

Step 2: Tap on the Equations tab on the right-hand side of the page.

Equation in Word

If you can’t find the equation option with the above steps, don’t worry. Here’s how to restore the missing equation editor in Word.

Step 1: In Word, go to File > Options.

Options in word

Step 2: Go to the Customize Ribbon. Use the Customize the Ribbon drop-down menu to select Main tabs.

Main Tabs in Word

Step 3: Select the Insert tab. Then, click the Reset button and select Reset only selected Ribbon tab.

Reset Customization in Word

On Word 2010 and 2007

If you’re using an older version of Microsoft Word that dates back over a decade, here’s how you get to the equation editor.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type appwiz.cpl in the box and hit Enter.

Step 2: Select your installation of Microsoft Word or Microsoft Office in the list. Select the Change button.

Change Word 2010 Install

Step 3: Choose Add or Remove Features. Once done, select Continue.

Office 2010 Add Remove Features option

Step 4: Select the plus sign next to Office Tools and select Equation Editor. Then, select the Run from My Computer option.

Office 2010 Enabling Equation Editor selection

Step 5: Select Continue and the Equation Editor will take a few minutes to install. Once complete, select Close and it will be available under the Insert menu.

Equation Editor in Word 2010

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Last updated on 03 September, 2024

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