Is writing math equations easier in Google Docs or Word? I found out

When it comes to documents, Microsoft Word and Google Docs are the go-to tools for many. But if you often work with math equations, which one offers a smoother experience? I’ve tested their equation editing options to help you make the right choice.

Equation editor interface

Entering a math equation in Google Docs is as simple as clicking the Equation v button Insert menu. This action brings up the equation toolbar containing a wide variety of mathematical symbols and structures organized into categories. The layout of the toolbar makes it easy to find and select the elements you want for your equation.

On the other hand, the Microsoft Word equation editor can also be accessed via Equation v button Insert table Clicking on it will bring up a sidebar with various math symbols and structures in these two categories.

While the sidebar provides a comprehensive set of options, it can seem a bit overwhelming, especially for users new to equation editing.

Choice of symbols and structure

Navigating through the available symbols and structures is simple in Google Docs. The Categorized Equations toolbar lets you quickly find what you need by expanding the appropriate category. In contrast, Microsoft Word’s sidebar requires more clicking and exploring to find specific elements, which can be time consuming but well organized.

Both Google Docs and Microsoft Word offer similar features for selecting symbols and structures. In Google Docs, clicking on a category in the equation toolbar will expand and display a grid of related options. Simply click on the desired symbol or structure and insert it into the equation.

Similarly, Microsoft Word’s sidebar lets you click on a category to see more options and then select the one you need.

While both programs provide a decent selection of math symbols and structures, Microsoft Word’s sidebar feels more organized and offers more symbols and structures. Categories are clearly labeled and symbols are displayed in a visually appealing manner.

Keyboard shortcuts and LaTeX support

Google Docs offers several keyboard shortcuts for editing equations, such as using a backslash (\) followed by the symbol name for quick insertion.

Google Docs does not natively support LaTeX, a powerful typesetting system widely used in academia. To enable LaTeX support in Google Docs, you will need to install an add-on. To do this, go to Extension > Accessories > Get extrasand then search for Auto-LaTeX Equations.

Once the add-in is installed, you can directly write LaTeX commands and render to create complex equations.

Microsoft Word, on the other hand, provides a more extensive set of keyboard shortcuts for editing equations. These shortcuts cover many symbols and structures and allow you to insert them without going through the sidebar.

For example, you can type “\gamma” and press the space bar to insert the Greek letter gamma (γ), or type \sum followed by a space to insert the sum symbol (∑).

Word also lacks native LaTeX support. To use LaTeX in Word, you need to install a separate add-in, just as you would with Google Docs. You can find the add-on in the Microsoft Store.

Personally, I rely more on keyboard shortcuts and prefer a more extensive set of options, so Microsoft Word is a better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth LaTeX experience, Google Docs might be the way to go.

Which one is better?

The answer, as with most technical comparisons, is not straightforward. If you prefer a user-friendly equation editor interface and smooth LaTeX integration, Google Docs may be your better choice. Its intuitive toolbar and straightforward LaTeX support make it easy to write equations even for users who are not well versed in advanced math typesetting.

On the other hand, if you rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts and prefer a more extensive set of options, Microsoft Word might be the way to go. Its extensive collection of shortcuts can greatly speed up your workflow, and the equation editor’s sidebar provides a wide variety of symbols and structures.