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.
Step 1: Write or type an equation
OneNote’s Math Assistant works best by handwriting equations on any touchscreen-capable laptop or tablet, but you can also try writing with a mouse or pen input tablet on a standard PC, or use your keyboard to type out your equations.
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In OneNote for Windows 10, go to any page, and then click or tap the Draw tab.
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On the Draw tab, click or tap the pen that you want to use.
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Click or tap the small arrow that appears next to the pen you selected, and then choose the stroke width and ink color that you want to use.
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Next, do one of the following:
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If you’re using a touchscreen device, write your equation with your finger or stylus.
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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
Before OneNote can solve your equation, select the ink strokes or typed text that you want it to recognize.
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On the Draw tab, select the Lasso Select tool.
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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.
Step 3: Use the Math button
When your equation is selected, do the following:
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On the Draw tab, click or tap the Math button.
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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, you can use the Lasso Select tool to select any incorrectly recognized symbol or a specific part of the equation and OneNote will offer alternatives for you to choose from.
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Select Ink to Math to convert your original handwritten text to a typed math equation.
More Math Assistant topics
Solve equations with Math Assistant in OneNote
Draw graphs of math functions with Math Assistant
