Create math equations using ink or text with Math Assistant in OneNote

Use the Math button in OneNote to convert your handwritten equations into a text format. You can also type your equations.

Note: This feature is only available if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription. If you are a Microsoft 365 subscriber, make sure you have the latest version of Office.

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Step 1: Write or type an equation

Note: OneNote Desktop and OneNote for iPad have a new look! Make sure you're looking at the tab with instructions for the OneNote version you are using. We're working to update all versions to the new look soon.

  1. In OneNote for Windows 10 or OneNote for the web, go to any page and select Draw.

  2. Select a pen, then select the small arrow that appears next to the pen to choose the stroke width and ink color you want to use.

  3. Next:

  • If you’re using a touchscreen device, write your equation with your finger or stylus.Write a math equation in OneNote for Windows 10

  • If you’re using a PC with a standard monitor, write your equation with your mouse or pen input tablet, or use your keyboard to type your equation.

    Tip: You can type an equation in linear format and then use the steps below to format it. Example: (x^2+4)/(x-3)

Step 2: Select the equation

  1. Select the Lasso Select tool.  The Lasso Select button on the Draw tab

  2. With your finger or mouse, drag a selection around the equation that you created in Step 1. When you let go, all ink strokes or text in your equation should appear selected.Lasso-selecting a handwritten math equation

Tip: If you're struggling to get your pen or lasso tool to work in OneNote for Windows 10, you may need to select Draw with Mouse or Touch.screenshot of the draw tab of OneNote for Windows 10 with mouse hovering over the "Draw with Mouse or Touch" button

Step 3: Use the Math button

When your equation is selected, do the following:

  1. Select Math.The Math button on the Draw tab

  2. In the Math pane that opens, confirm that OneNote correctly recognized your equation. If necessary, select Fix it to make any corrections to individual ink strokes. While in Fix it mode, use the Lasso Select tool to select any incorrectly recognized symbol or part of the equation and OneNote will offer alternatives for you to choose from.Tap one of the suggestions to fix the equation.

  3. Select Ink to Math to convert your original handwritten text to a typed math equation.Type in the number of questions for the practice quiz.

  1. In OneNote Desktop or OneNote for iPad, go to any page and select Draw.

  2. Choose a pen.Optional: use the small arrow that appears next to the pen to adjust your preferences for stroke width and ink color.

  3. Next:

  • If you’re using a touchscreen device, write your equation with your finger or stylus.screenshot of a handwritten equation in onenote

  • If you’re using a PC with a standard monitor, write your equation with your mouse or pen input tablet, or use your keyboard to type your equation.

Step 2: Select the equation

  1. From the Draw tab choose the Lasso Select tool.  screenshot showing the math button in the draw tab.

  2. With your finger or mouse, circle the equation that you created in Step 1. When you let go, all ink strokes or text in your equation should appear selected.screenshot showing the use of the lasso select tool to circle a handwritten equation

Step 3: Use the Math button

  1. Select Draw then select Math.screenshot showing the math button in the draw tab.

  2. In the Math pane that opens, confirm that OneNote correctly recognized your equation. Sometimes the Math tool misunderstands handwriting. If any part of your equation is incorrect, select Edit the equation  . Then, select the prompt: Circle the part of the equation you want to fix. This will turn on the Lasso Select tool, which can be used to select anything that needs edited. Upon selecting, there will be a list of options to edit how the Math Assistant interprets that part of the equation.

  3. screenshot showing how onenote provides a dropdown of alternatives to choose from when editing a handwritten equation.

  4. You can replace your handwritten equation with a typed math equation using Convert ink to Math.screenshot of the math assistant pane in onenote. A cursor hovers over the ink to text button.

You can explore the actions in the Math panel to learn more from your equation. 

More Math Assistant topics

Solve equations with Math Assistant in OneNote

Draw graphs of math functions with Math Assistant

Problem types supported by Math Assistant

Generate a practice math quiz

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