Can You Do a Formula in Google Slides?
Google Slides is a powerful tool for presentations, but unlike Google Sheets, it doesn’t have built-in support for formulas.
However, you can still display formulas in Google Slides using alternative methods such as inserting them as text, images, or using third-party tools.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to add formulas to your slides.
How to Add a Formula in Google Slides
Step 1: Insert a Formula as Plain Text
If your formula is simple and doesn’t require special formatting, you can type it directly in a text box.
How to Do It:
Open your Google Slides presentation.
Click on Insert in the top menu.
Select Text box and click anywhere on the slide.
Type your formula (e.g., E = mc²).
Adjust the font, size, and style using the toolbar.
This method is best for basic mathematical expressions.
Step 2: Use Special Characters for Math Symbols
For more complex formulas, you can insert special characters like fractions, square roots, and Greek symbols.
How to Do It:
Click Insert > Special characters.
In the search bar, type keywords like “fraction” or “square root.”
Click on the desired character to insert it into your slide.
Combine symbols with regular text to create a formula.
This method allows for better formatting but may still be limited for advanced equations.
To Insert a Formula as an Image from Google Docs
Google Docs allows you to create formulas using its built-in equation editor, which you can then insert into Google Slides as an image.
How to Do It:
Open Google Docs and create a new document.
Click Insert > Equation to open the equation editor.
Type your formula using the available math symbols.
Once done, take a screenshot of the equation.
Go back to Google Slides, click Insert > Image > Upload from computer to add your screenshot.
This ensures that your formula appears correctly without formatting issues.
You can use Third-Party Add-ons for Equations
There are add-ons like MathType or EquatIO that help insert professional equations in Google Slides.
How to Do It:
- Click Extensions in the top menu.
- Select Add-ons > Get add-ons.
- Search for MathType or EquatIO and install the add-on.
- Open the add-on, create your equation, and insert it into your slide.
This is the best method for creating complex scientific and mathematical equations.
Google Slides doesn’t support formulas directly, but there are workarounds. If you want to streamline your presentation creation, try MagicSlides.app, which generates complete slides from topics, PDFs, or even YouTube videos in seconds!
Conclusion
While Google Slides doesn’t support formulas like Google Sheets, you can still display them using text, special characters, images, or third-party add-ons.
Depending on your needs, one of these methods will help you present formulas effectively.
FAQs About Using Formulas in Google Slides
Can I type a math equation directly in Google Slides?
Yes, you can use a text box and insert math symbols using Insert > Special characters.
How do I insert a fraction in Google Slides?
Use Insert > Special characters, search for “fraction,” and select the correct symbol.
What’s the best way to add complex equations to Google Slides?
Use Google Docs’ equation editor, take a screenshot, and insert it as an image in Google Slides.
Now you know how to add formulas to your Google Slides presentations! 🚀
