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Have you ever wondered how to insert equation in Google Slides? In this blog, you will learn why math equations in Google Slides are important, the tool’s limitations, and 7 easy methods to insert equations and fractions—even if you are not a math expert. Let’s get started!

Table of contents
  1. Why Is Inserting Math Equations and Fractions Important?
  2. How to Insert Equations in Google Slides
  3. Part 2: How to Write or Type Fractions in Google Slides
  4. FAQs about Google Slides Math Equations

Why Is Inserting Math Equations and Fractions Important?

1. Google Slides Limitations and Common Problems

Google Slides does not have a built-in equation editor. Unlike Microsoft PowerPoint, you do not get a special menu to add math formulas. This makes it hard to type complex equations or even simple fractions. Some symbols are missing, and formatting is limited. Many users search for workarounds to add math content.

2. Various Scenarios to Show Math Equations or Fractions

Many people use Google Slides for class lectures, science presentations, academic talks, and professional meetings. In these settings, you often need to show math formulas, chemistry equations, or simple fractions. Without clear equations, your ideas may not be understood. Math is a language, and sharing it clearly is important.

Common scenarios include:

  • Teachers explaining math concepts to students.
  • Researchers presenting scientific findings.
  • Students showing their homework solutions.
  • Professionals sharing data or technical details.

But Google Slides was built mainly for text and images—not for math. So, adding equations or fractions can be a challenge.

✍ [You May Also Like]: 5 Best AI for Making Lesson Plan Slides

How to Insert Equations in Google Slides

Method 1: Using Google Slides Native Features

Google Slides does not have a direct equation editor. But you can add basic math symbols using your keyboard. For example, you can type +, -, =, *, /, and parentheses ( ). For simple equations, this is enough. You can also copy and paste special characters from other documents.

Examples:

Area = length × width
x^2 + y^2 = z^2

But for more complex formulas, you need other methods.

Method 2: Using the “Insert” Menu and Special Characters

Google Slides lets you insert special characters. Here’s how:
  1. Click Insert > Special characters.

    2. insert special characters for equation

  2. A pop-up window appears.
  3. Search for math symbols, such as π, √, or ≤.

    4. insert-math-equations

  4. Click the symbol to add it to your slide.
Tip: Some symbols like fractions (½, ¼) are available but complex equations are not. You can combine these symbols with text to build simple math, but it can be time-consuming.

Method 3: Use Third-Party Add-ons

For complex equations, try a Google Slides add-on. Hypatia Create is a popular choice. Here’s how to use it:

  • 1. Go to Add-ons > Get add-ons.

search google slides add on

hypatia create add on

  • 3. Open the add-on from your Add-ons menu.
  • 4. Type your equation using the editor.
  • 5. Click “Insert” to add the equation as an image.

insert equations with hypatia create

Other useful add-ons include:

  • MathType
  • EquatIO
  • CodeCogs Equation Editor

These tools give you a full equation editor inside Google Slides, making it easy to build math formulas and insert them as images.

Method 4: Speed Up with AI — Use workppt

Sometimes, typing or building equations one by one is slow. AI-powered tools can help! WorkPPT AI presentation maker is an AI presentation generator.

insert equation with ai ppt maker

With WorkPPT, you can:
  • 1. Enter your topic or upload a document with math equations.
  • 2. The AI will generate a full presentation, including slides with your equations.
  • 3. The math is automatically formatted and placed in the right slides.
  • 4. Download your presentation and import it into Google Slides.
  • 5. Make any final edits or adjustments directly in Google Slides.
This is a fast way to create math-heavy presentations without doing everything by hand. It is especially useful for teachers, students, and professionals who need to make slides often.
Create AI Presentation

Method 5: Use LaTeX Editors and Equation Image Generators

You can use online LaTeX editors to create equation images and insert them into Google Slides. Here’s how:
  1. Go to a LaTeX equation editor online (such as codecogs.com or latexbase.com).
  2. Type your equation in LaTeX format.

    3. use latex editors to insert equation

  3. Download the equation as an image (PNG or SVG).
  4. In Google Slides, go to Insert > Image > Upload from computer.
  5. Place and resize the image on your slide.
This method works well for advanced math and looks very professional.

Method 6: Import Equations from Existing PowerPoint or PDF Files

If you already have equations in a PowerPoint (PPT) or PDF file, you can reuse them:
  1. Save your PowerPoint slides as images (File > Save As > PNG).
  2. Import the images into Google Slides (Insert > Image).
  3. Or, take a screenshot of the equation in your PDF and insert it as an image.
This saves time and keeps your formatting consistent.

Part 2: How to Write or Type Fractions in Google Slides

Fractions are common in math, science, and even business slides. Here are three ways to add them:

1. Use Superscript and Subscript for Simple Fractions

You can create simple fractions like “x/y” by changing the format:

    1. Type your numerator (top number).
    2. Highlight it and click Format > Text > Superscript (for exponents) or Subscript (for lower text).

type fractions with superscript

  1. Type a slash ( / ).
  2. Type your denominator.
  3. Format the denominator as subscript if needed.

Example:
x²/y₃

This does not look exactly like a traditional stacked fraction, but it works for simple math.

2. Insert Special Fraction Characters

Some common fractions (½, ¼, ¾) are available as special characters.
  1. Go to Insert > Special characters.
  2. Search for “fraction.”

    3. insert special fraction characters

  3. Click to insert the character.

Limitations: Only a few fractions are available this way. For custom fractions, try another method.

3. Insert Fraction Images or Screenshots

For more complex or stacked fractions:

  1. Create the fraction using a LaTeX editor or online math tool.
  2. Download it as an image.
  3. Insert the image into Google Slides.

Or, use the screenshot method described earlier.

FAQs about Google Slides Math Equations

Q1: Can I use LaTeX code directly in Google Slides?
No, Google Slides does not support LaTeX code directly. Use a plugin or image workaround.

Q2: Are there any free add-ons for equations?
Yes, Hypatia Create and EquatIO have free versions, but advanced features may require payment.

Q3: How do I edit an equation after inserting it as an image?
You cannot edit the text in the image. You must re-create the equation and insert a new image.

Q4: Can I copy equations from Word or PowerPoint into Google Slides?
You can copy as images, but not as editable math text.

Q5: Does workppt support equations?
Yes! workppt can automatically generate slides with equations if your document contains them. You can still edit your slides in Google Slides after exporting.

💬 Conclusion:

Inserting math equations and fractions in Google Slides can be tricky, but you have many options. You can use Google Slides’ basic tools, special characters, add-ons like Hypatia Create, online LaTeX editors, and screenshots. For faster results, AI tools like workppt can generate presentations with equations for you, ready to be customized in Google Slides.

Always choose the method that fits your needs. For quick jobs, try images or special characters. Try out WorkPPT AI Presentation Maker if you want to save time and boost your productivity!