Insert and calculate simple math equations in OneNote
You don’t need a calculator to find the answers to simple math problems. You can jot down math equations during a meeting, conference or class, and OneNote can instantly calculate the results for you.
-
Type the equation you want to calculate. For example, type 95+83+416 to calculate the sum of the numbers 95, 83, and 416, or SQRT(15) to calculate the square root of 15.
-
After the equation, without typing a space, type an equal sign (=), and then press Spacebar. The answer will appear after the equal sign.
Tips:
-
Don’t use spaces in the equation. Type the numbers, operators, and functions as one single, continuous string of text.
-
Function codes are not case-sensitive. For example, SQRT(3)=, sqrt(3)= or Sqrt(3)= will calculate the same answer.
-
To create a new line after the answer, press Enter (instead of Spacebar) after the equal sign.
-
If you want only the answer in your notes, after it’s calculated, you can delete the equation that precedes it. The answer will stay in your notes.
Examples of simple calculations
Below are a few examples of mathematical expressions that OneNote can calculate.
-
The average monthly sales of a product. For example, if the total revenue per year is $215,000, type $215,000/12= and then press Spacebar.
-
Total cost of monthly payments. For example, type 48*$129.99= and then press Spacebar to calculate the cost of 48 monthly payments at $129.99 a payment.
-
The sine of a 30-degree angle. For example, type sin(30)= and then press Spacebar.
-
More complete math equations. For example, Type (6+7) / (4*sqrt(3))= and then press Spacebar to calculate the answer to (6+7) divided by (4 times the square root of 3).
Supported arithmetic operators
You can use the following operators in your equations.
Operator |
Meaning |
Example |
+ (plus sign) |
Addition |
3+3 |
- (minus sign) |
Subtraction Negation |
3-1 -1 |
* (asterisk) |
Multiplication |
3*3 |
X (upper- or lowercase) |
Multiplication |
3x3 |
/ (forward slash) |
Division |
3/3 |
% (percent sign) |
Percent |
20% |
^ (caret) |
Exponentiation |
3^2 |
! (exclamation) |
Factorial computation |
5! |
Supported math and trigonometry functions
You can use the math and trigonometry functions in the following table for your equations.
Note: To calculate a function, type its code (for example, SQRT for square root), and immediately follow it with the number, angle, or variables in parentheses, as shown in the Syntax column.
Function |
Description |
Syntax |
ABS |
Returns the absolute value of a number |
ABS(number) |
ACOS |
Returns the arccosine of a number |
ACOS(number) |
ASIN |
Returns the arcsine of a number |
ASIN(number) |
ATAN |
Returns the arctangent of a number |
ATAN(number) |
COS |
Returns the cosine of a number |
COS(number) |
DEG |
Converts an angle (in radians) to degrees |
DEG(angle) |
LN |
Returns the natural logarithm of a number |
LN(number) |
LOG |
Returns the natural logarithm of a number |
LOG(number) |
LOG2 |
Returns the base-2 logarithm of a number |
LOG2(number) |
LOG10 |
Returns the base-10 logarithm of a number |
LOG10(number) |
MOD |
Returns the remainder of a division operation |
(number)MOD(number) |
PI |
Returns the value of π as a constant |
PI |
PHI |
Returns the value of Φ (the golden ratio) |
PHI |
PMT |
Calculates a loan payment based on a constant interest rate, a constant number of payments, and the present value of the total amount |
PMT(rate;nper;pv) |
RAD |
Converts an angle (in degrees) to radians |
RAD(angle) |
SIN |
Returns the sine of the given angle |
SIN(angle) |
SQRT |
Returns a positive square root |
SQRT(number) |
TAN |
Returns the tangent of a number |
TAN(number) |