Office Settings & Configuration

How to Insert Mathematical Symbols in Word on iPad

Bushra Parveen Oct 9, 2026 877 views

Question details

Users need a way to insert mathematical symbols and equations in Microsoft Word using an iPad.

How to Insert Mathematical Symbols in Word on an iPad

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Writing academic, scientific, or mathematical documents on an iPad Air that require specific math symbols.
Observed behavior: The comprehensive mathematical symbol gallery found in the desktop version of Word does not appear in the iPad version.

Before you start

Ensure your Microsoft Word app is updated to the latest version from the App Store to access all available mobile equation features.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Built-in Equation Tool on iPad

Although the full symbol gallery is absent, you can use Word's native Equation tool on iPad to write mathematical formulas.

Word for iPad provides a simplified equation editor. While it does not feature the robust click-to-insert symbol gallery of the desktop version, you can still type linear equations directly.

Navigate to the Insert tab

Open your document in Word for iPad and tap on the 'Insert' tab located at the top menu ribbon.

Select the Equation option

Scroll through the insert options and tap on 'Equation'. This will insert an equation box into your document.

Type your mathematical symbols

Tap inside the equation box and use your keyboard to type out the equation using standard math text formatting.

Keyboard Shortcuts: You can access basic math symbols (like +, -, =, /, and °) directly from the native iPad software keyboard by switching to the numbers and symbols layout.

Solution 2

Switch to Desktop Word for the Complete Symbol Library

If you require advanced mathematical symbols not supported by the mobile app, you will need to use the desktop version of Word.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Editing

If you find the mobile limitations of Microsoft Word frustrating, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. It features a familiar UI, making it incredibly easy to migrate your workflow and edit documents on your iPad without hassle.

1. Download the app: Install WPS Office for free from the Apple App Store on your iPad.
2. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open your existing .docx files directly from your local storage or cloud drive.
3. Edit seamlessly: Enjoy a familiar interface to format text, insert elements, and manage your documents effortlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Free and lightweight mobile app optimized for iPadsFamiliar user interface for seamless and quick migrationCross-platform support allowing easy switching between mobile and desktop

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I draw math equations with an Apple Pencil in Word for iPad?

Yes, if you have an Office 365 subscription, you can use the 'Ink to Math' feature located under the Draw tab to write equations with your Apple Pencil and have them converted to typed text.

Why is the symbol gallery missing on the iPad version of Word?

Microsoft optimizes its mobile apps, including Word for iPad, for performance and touch-friendliness. As a result, some advanced desktop features, like the extensive symbol gallery, are intentionally omitted to keep the app lightweight.

How do I type a degree symbol on my iPad keyboard?

You can quickly type a degree symbol by switching to the numbers layout on your iPad's on-screen keyboard, then tap and hold the '0' (zero) key until the degree symbol (°) appears in the pop-up menu.

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