How to Insert an Equation in Google Slides

When creating presentations, you might often find yourself needing to include mathematical equations or scientific formulas. Unfortunately, unlike Google Docs, Google Slides doesn’t have a built-in equation editor. But don’t worry! There are several ways to insert equations in Google Slides. This blog post will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can present your information clearly and effectively.

Step 1: Use Google Docs to Create the Equation

1. Open Google Docs
   Start by opening Google Docs in a new tab. Google Docs comes with a built-in equation editor, which makes it easy to create complex mathematical expressions.For a detailed guide on how to make fractions in Google Docs, you can refer to our article on using the equation editor in Google Docs.
2. Insert the Equation
   1. Navigate to the menu bar and click on "Insert" .
   2. Select "Equation" from the dropdown. A new toolbar will appear, offering various symbols and operations for building your equation.
3. Construct Your Equation
   1. Use the tools provided in the equation toolbar to construct your formula. For basic operations like fractions, exponents, or square roots, click the appropriate symbol in the toolbar.
   2. For more complex equations, you can combine different symbols and operations.
4. Copy the Equation
   Once your equation is complete, highlight it by dragging your cursor over the text. Right-click and select "Copy" or use the shortcut Ctrl+C (Cmd+C on Mac).

Step 2: Insert the Equation into Google Slides

1. Open Google Slides
   Open the Google Slides presentation where you want to insert the equation. Navigate to the slide where the equation will be placed.
2. Paste the Equation
   1. Click on the text box or create a new one where you want to insert the equation.
   2. Right-click in the text box and select "Paste" or use Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on Mac).
   3. The equation will appear as plain text. However, it may not look exactly as it did in Google Docs due to formatting differences.

Step 3: Format the Equation for Better Appearance

1. Adjust Font and Size
   After pasting, you might notice that the equation's appearance needs adjustment. Select the equation and change the font or size to match the rest of your presentation. Google Slides offers a variety of fonts, but for mathematical equations, Arial or Times New Roman is often the best choice.
2. Use an Image of the Equation (Optional)
   If formatting becomes an issue, you can convert the equation in Google Docs into an image:
   1. In Google Docs, use a screenshot tool to capture the equation as an image.
   2. Save the image to your computer or clipboard.
   3. Go back to Google Slides, insert a new image, and upload your equation screenshot.
3. Position the Equation
   Finally, position the equation image or text box in the desired location on your slide. Resize and align as necessary to fit your slide’s layout.

FAQ

1. Can I insert an equation directly in Google Slides without using Google Docs?
Unfortunately, Google Slides does not have a built-in equation editor. Using Google Docs or external tools is currently the most effective method.

2. Are there third-party add-ons available for inserting equations?
Yes, there are third-party add-ons like "MathType" that can be integrated into Google Slides, allowing for more seamless equation insertion.

3. How can I ensure the equation looks professional on the slide?
Make sure to adjust the font size, style, and positioning. Alternatively, you can often provide better visual consistency.

4. What if I need to insert multiple equations?
If you're dealing with multiple equations, it may be easier to prepare them all in Google Docs first, then transfer them one by one to Google Slides.