How to install the Microsoft Word 2016, 2013, 2010, or 2007 Equation Editor and you’ll be able to make math equations within Word documents.
Word 2016 & 2013
For Word 2016 or 2013, the Equation Editor should be available by default. Simply select the “Insert” tab and choose “Equation” under the “Symbols” section.
If you still do not see it, you may have to go to “File” > “Options” > “Quick Access Toolbar” and add it back to your bar.
Word 2010 & 2007
Windows 8, 7, & Vista
- Open “Control Panel“.
- Select “Uninstall a program” in the “Programs” section. (Don’t worry, we’re not going to uninstall anything.)
- Select your installation of Microsoft Word or Microsoft Office in the list and select the “Change” button.
- Choose “Add or Remove Features” and select “Continue“.
- Select the plus sign next to “Office Tools“, then select “Equation Editor” > “Run from My Computer“.
- Select “Continue” and the Equation Editor will be take a few minutes to install. When complete, select “Close” and it will be available under the “Insert” menu.
Windows XP
- Go to “Control Panel“.
- Double-click “Add/Remove Programs“.
- Select once on the “Microsoft Office 2010/2007” entry and click “Change“.
- Select “Add or Remove Features“, and click “Continue“.
- Click the plus sign next to “Office Tools“.
- Click “Equation Editor“, and select “Run from My Computer“.
- Click “Continue“. Click “Close” when the install is complete. The Equation Editor will be available under the “Insert” menu.
FAQ
Why is the equation editor selection grayed out?
You may have saved your document in a format that does not support the Equation Editor. Try selecting “File” > “Save As…” and save the document as a “.docx” file or “File” > “Convert” to update the document to the latest format.
Yousef Hamed says
Krestin T. says
September 28, 2016 at 5:14 am
If Equations are blanked (or grey) in word 2013 but appears in Excel, please check first:
a) What documents has been opened on Word 2013 (docs written in 97- 2003, 2007 or 2010)
b) How this document has been opened. If Compatibility mode is shown – this is the reason Equations to be blanked
In this case convert the document in real 2013 mode
Click the File tab.
Do one of the following:
a)To convert the document without saving a copy, click Info, and then click Convert.
b)To create a new copy of the document in Word 2013 mode, click Save As and then choose the location and the folder where you want to save the new copy. Type a new name for the document in the File name box, and click Word Document in the Save as type list. Make sure the checkbox next to Maintain compatibility with previous versions of Word is unchecked.
Thank you so much. This has been very helpful.
Alfredas L. says
Very special thanks to Krestin T. This has been very helpful.
Matt says
Thank you, so much for the tips. You made my day..
Jake Jones says
I don’t know if it is Windows 10 or Office 365 but clicking change only gives me repair options. I’m trying to use Mathtype but I think the equation editor needs to be disabled. Currently Mathtype toolbar shows up but is greyed out. Inserting an equation defaults to the equation editor. Please help, thesis due soon.
Elza says
Thank you …Thank you… Thank you
Jahid says
wonderfull.Thanks so much.
Krestin T. says
If Equations are blanked (or grey) in word 2013 but appears in Excel, please check first:
a) What documents has been opened on Word 2013 (docs written in 97- 2003, 2007 or 2010)
b) How this document has been opened. If Compatibility mode is shown – this is the reason Equations to be blanked
In this case convert the document in real 2013 mode
Click the File tab.
Do one of the following:
a)To convert the document without saving a copy, click Info, and then click Convert.
b)To create a new copy of the document in Word 2013 mode, click Save As and then choose the location and the folder where you want to save the new copy. Type a new name for the document in the File name box, and click Word Document in the Save as type list. Make sure the checkbox next to Maintain compatibility with previous versions of Word is unchecked.
Sebsibie Wodeyes says
Very good !
Athira Gopinath says
Thank you so much. This has been very helpful.
Fahimeh says
Very useful and handy! Thank you!