How to Insert an Equation in Google Slides for Beginners

You might struggle with typing fractions, exponents, or other math symbols, and worry that your slides will look messy. The good news is that Google Slides has simple tools to make this process easier.

In this guide, you will learn how to insert equations step by step. You will see how to type them directly, use special characters, and even add math symbols through add-ons. Along the way, you’ll also discover how to format equations, use superscript and subscript, and customize their size and style to make your slides clear and professional.

How To Write Fractions In Google Slides?

Adding equations in Google Slides can make your presentations clearer and more professional. You can include math symbols, formulas, and expressions with just a few steps. Read the points below to learn the easiest ways to insert equations into your slides.

Select or Insert a Placeholder

Before adding an equation in Google Slides, select a placeholder. This allows the Special Characters option to work. If your slide does not have a placeholder, add a text box by going to Insert → Text Box. Google Slides uses LaTeX formatting, giving you options to create different types of equations.

Method 1: Type an Equation in Google Slides

The simplest way to add an equation is by typing it. This works well for basic equations. You can enter numbers, letters, and common math symbols using your keyboard. For example, type x^2 + 5x + 6 to create a simple quadratic equation.

Method 2: Insert Special Characters in Google Slides

For symbols not on your keyboard, use Special Characters to add math symbols.

1. Select a placeholder.
2. Go to Insert → Special Characters.
3. Choose Math or Math Alphanumeric from the category menu.
4. Find symbols using one of these options:

Scroll and Insert Math Symbols to Google Slides

Scroll through the symbols list. Click a symbol to insert it into your placeholder. This works well if you know where the symbol is in the list.

Search and Add Math Symbols to Google Slides

Use the search bar in the Special Characters window. Type the symbol’s name, such as “pi” or “square root.” Click the correct symbol to add it. This is faster than scrolling through all symbols.

Draw to Find Math Symbols in Google Slides

Click the Draw tab in the Special Characters window. Draw the symbol using your mouse or trackpad. Google Slides shows matching symbols. Click one to insert it. This is useful when you do not remember the symbol’s name.

You can combine typed equations with inserted symbols. For example, type numbers and simple operators, then add symbols for square roots, fractions, or Greek letters. This helps create more complex equations quickly.

Method 3: Insert Math Equations in Google Slides using Add-ons

Third-party add-ons let you add equations as high-resolution images. One popular option is MathType.

1. Go to Extensions → Add-ons → Get Add-ons.
2. Search for a math equation add-on and install it. For this example, use MathType.
3. Launch MathType by going to Extensions → MathType.
4. Use the tabs to add symbols and type equations.
5. Click Insert to add the equation to your slide.

Equations from MathType are added as images. You can resize or move them using drag and drop. This method works well for complex equations that combine symbols, fractions, and exponents. MathType offers a 30-day free trial for premium features.

Using Superscript and Subscript for Math Symbols in Google Slides

Many presentations require math symbols, like exponents or chemical formulas. Superscripts and subscripts make these symbols clear and professional.

To format text, select it and go to Format → Text → Superscript or Subscript. The selected text will adjust immediately.

Keyboard shortcuts save time. Press Ctrl + . for superscript and Ctrl +, for subscript on Windows. On a Mac, use Command + . and Command +,.

Special characters can also work. Insert them via Insert → Special Characters, then choose the symbol needed. This method is helpful for unusual math symbols.

Using these tools, math equations and formulas appear correctly without extra effort. Slides look cleaner, and editing stays efficient.

Customizing Math Equations in Google Slides

Google Slides lets you adjust math equations to fit your presentation. You can change the size, style, and even create rational equations. These options make your slides clearer and more visually consistent.

Changing the Equation Size

1. Select the equation you want to resize.
2. Go to the Font size option in the toolbar.
3. Click the drop-down menu to pick a new size, or type a number directly.
4. Check how the new size fits your slide. Adjust further if needed.

You can increase or decrease the equation size to match your slide layout.

Stylize Math Equation in Google Slides

1. Click on the equation to select it.
2. Use the text color in the toolbar to change the equation’s color.
3. Apply Bold, Italic, or Underline if you want certain parts to stand out.
4. Change the font type to match your slide design.
5. Open Format Options for more adjustments, such as shadows or reflections.

These changes help highlight key parts of your equation and make it easier to read.

Creating Rational Equations in Google Slides

1. Draw a fraction line using Insert → Line → Line.
2. Place the numerator above the line and the denominator below.
3. Adjust the line style or thickness in the toolbar.
4. Move elements with drag-and-drop until the equation looks balanced.

This approach works for fractions, divisions, and other rational equations.

Once you apply these changes, your equations will look organized and easier to follow. Experiment with size, style, and layout to see what works best on your slides.

Final Words:

No matter the type of equation you need, Google Slides offers several ways to add and format them. You can type basic equations directly, use superscripts and subscripts, draw lines for fractions, or insert special characters for more complex math. Add-ons like MathType make creating advanced equations even easier. With these tools, you can make your slides clear, organized, and professional.

FAQs:

Can you insert math equations in Google Slides?

Yes, you can insert math equations in Google Slides. You can use the “Equation” tool under the “Insert” menu to add simple equations directly.

Can you create fractions in Google Slides?

Yes, fractions can be added using the Equation tool. You type them as numerator/denominator or use the fraction option in the toolbar.

Can you create complex equations in Google Slides?

You can create some complex equations, but Google Slides is limited compared with full math software. For very detailed equations, you might need an add-on.

How can I access special characters to insert math symbols in Google Slides?

Go to Insert → Special Characters. You can search for math symbols by name or draw them in the box to find the match.

Can I customize an equation in Google Slides?

Yes, you can change the size, color, and font of an equation. This helps it match your slide design.

What type of customizations can I use with math equations in Google Slides?

You can adjust font style, font size, color, and alignment. You can also move or resize the equation box freely on the slide.

Can you add equations in Google Slides using add-ons?

Yes, add-ons like “MathType” let you create more advanced equations. They can be inserted directly into your slides.

Do math equations remain intact in slideshow mode in Google Slides?

Yes, equations stay formatted correctly during slideshow mode. They display the same way viewers see them in edit mode.

Can you copy math equations from other software to Google Slides?

You can copy and paste equations from some software, but formatting may not always match. Using an add-on often preserves formatting better.

Can I animate equations for a dynamic presentation?

Yes, you can animate equations like other objects. Animations include fade, appear, or fly-in effects to make them more engaging.