Google Forms™ is great for creating quick assessments for your students. However, it does not have an equation editor built in to the application. To insert math equations in Google Forms, you have to use another website or application.
I have listed three ways to insert math equations in Google Forms below.
1. Use CodeCogs (a free website)
This first method is to use this website. First, you type your equation into the yellow box. The equation will appear below the yellow box.
Next, scroll down to smaller yellow box and select “URL” from the drop-down menu. Copy the text in the box. (Control+C on a PC or Command+C on a Mac).
Go to your Google Form and click the image button beside the question or answer choice where you want to add the equation.
Click “BY URL” and paste the URL. You should see the equation below the pasted URL. Then, click “add image”.
The equation should now be visible on your Google Form.
This method the quickest, and you don’t have to download anything. However, the pictures aren’t the best quality.
2. Use Equatio (a Google Chrome extension)
The next option of to use EquatIO™ with a Google Chrome extension from texthelp®. Click here to see all the information about EquatIO. This is the method I use for all of my Google Forms.
EqautIO is currently free for teachers. You can register by clicking here. IMPORTANT: Make sure you register with the Google email you are going to be using to create Google Forms.
After downloading the software on your computer, you must install the Google Chrome extension to use it in Google Forms.
Go to the Google Chrome Web Store and search for Equatio. Add it to your Google Chrome extensions. It should pop up on your top menu bar.
After I downloaded EquatIO and added the Google Chrome extension, I restarted my computer. It still took about 24 hours for the extension to start working. So, just be aware that it doesn’t work instantly.
I knew it was working when I opened Google Forms and saw the blue icons beside the questions and answer choices like the ones below.
When you click the blue icons, an equation editor will open at the bottom of your screen.
Click the equation button and type the equation. Then click “Insert Math”.
EquatIO does not have symbol buttons you press like CodeCOGS. Simply start typing the symbol you want, and it will populate. For example, if you want to type a fraction, start typing the word “fraction”.
Once you press “Insert Math”, you will see the equation in Google Forms.
I like EquatIO because I can add equations right within the browser. The equation looks bigger and clearer than CodeCOGS.
3. Use a Microsoft Office Application (Word or PowerPoint)
The last method to insert math equations in Google Forms is using the equation editor in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint.
I’m a PowerPoint girl, so I’ll show you how in PowerPoint. Check out how I create all of my math resources in PowerPoint here.
First, open a blank PowerPoint and delete any text boxes. Click insert>equation. If you don’t see an equation editor, make sure to update your version of PowerPoint.
Type your equation and take a screenshot of it. If you are on a Mac, press Command-Shift-5. If you are on a PC, use the snipping tool.
Then, insert the picture using the picture icon beside the answer choice.
I’ve used this method as well, but it is a little more time-consuming.
Ok, so just to recap, here is a picture of all three methods so you can see the difference. They are all decent methods. EquatIO is my personal favorite, but they are all great!
If you’re interested in learning how to make your own math resources (both digital and paper), grab my free 5-step cheat sheet here!
I hope these 3 methods were helpful! Creating engaging resources doesn’t have to stop here! Head to LindsayBowden.com/Training to sign up for my FREE training on creating engaging math resources!
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43 Comments
I just wanted to thank you! You have been a lifesaver as we have had to learn how to teach virtually on such short notice. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate your sharing so much of your knowledge with those of us who are staggering around in the woods looking for two sticks to rub together! 😉 Have a GREAT weekend! Stay safe!
You’re so welcome! I’m so glad to be able to help teachers! It’s a privilege. Same to you!
Hello, Miss. Bowden. I’m just going to thank you, because your article is being very useful to me. A short, but very clear, complete text – with the perfect guidelines! Take care of yourself and your family. Greetings from Brazil. Att. Alexandre (a Math teacher).
Hello Madam,
Greeting of the day!!!!
So simple explanation. I am thankful for the same. Madam I have doubt that I want to add Greek symbol in question which is english text. Please help me for this topic
Hi Lindsay
I am an ESL teacher teaching Grade 9 Math. Your site is amazing. I needed someone to walk me through, and you did it. Thank you so much!! I appreciate you.
Please keep it going
Thanks again
Ana
I am the teacher in cambodia I do need extensions math for teaching my students
I am the teacher in cambodia
Hi!
One of my favorite extensions for math equations in Google Forms is Hypatia
Thank you, for this information
The blog is very informative. looking forward to reading more from you thank you
squares upto 50
I am having trouble to add fractional form in between of the statement , How could I do it?? please help
Thank you so much, from one teacher to another 🙂
Thanks for the article
I was able to find good information from your content.
Can you please tell me how to enter math formulas interspersed with text in google forms?
EX:
text text text [formulas] text text [formulas] text
Hey! Sorry, I don’t think it’s possible!
very useful techniques but not able to do that in the answer feedback as it doesnt allow images
Interesting, best regards
Lindsay
Any idea what happened to the format of CodeCogs?
I use this site for my google form tests also but can not figure out how to save my functions as url anymore.
Thoughts?
Below the function box, there are blue buttons with drop downs. On the third one, click the down arrow and you can select URL!