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Equations

Equations are a core part of many courses, but if they aren’t created with accessibility in mind, some students may face unnecessary barriers. This guide is designed to help instructors make math content inclusive by using tools already available in Canvas and Microsoft Word. You’ll find practical steps, tips, and resources to ensure your equations are readable by assistive technologies and easy for all learners to access. 

Why is it Important?

Accessible equations ensure that all students—including those who use screen readers or Braille—can fully engage with math content. In this guide, you’ll learn why accessibility matters, how to create equations using Canvas and Word tools, and where to find helpful resources. Making equations accessible benefits students with disabilities, supports inclusive teaching practices, and helps instructors improve clarity for every learner.

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Equations in Canvas

Equations in Word

Tools

Equations in Canvas

Canvas uses the MathJax engine to render equations. This tool ensures compatibility with screen readers and assistive technologies, and also allows all users to control how they view and navigate equations. 

There are three recommended ways to add equations to Canvas:

  1. Canvas Equation Editor
  2. Directly inputting LaTeX code in Rich Content Editor’s visual view
  3. Directly inputting LaTex converted to HTML or MathML code in Rich Content Editor’s HTML view

Once you have added an equation and saved your page in Canvas, you can right-click on the equation to explore the MathJax options. You can view the LaTex or MathML code, trigger different zoom options, and choose how you want to display and navigate equations. These settings are user-specific, so each person can customize how they experience equations in your course.

Canvas Equation Editor

You can create equations directly within the Rich Content Editor using either a visual interface or LaTeX syntax.

  1. Open the Rich Content Editor in your Canvas page, assignment, discussion, or quiz question. 
  2. Click the Insert Math Equation button (x\sqrt{x} icon).  If you don’t see it, click on the 3 vertical dots icon to expand the toolbar.
  3. Enter your equation using:
    • Visual Editor with buttons for quick formatting. 
    • LaTeX syntax for advanced equations or LaTeX code from other programs. (See information on inline vs. block below.) 
  4. Save your changes and check your equation.

Input LaTeX Code in Rich Content Editor’s Visual View

You can type or paste LaTeX directly into the visual view of the rich content editor. This is the standard text box view in Canvas that shows formatting as you work. The LaTeX code will show on in the text box as you are editing, but will be rendered as an equation when you click Save.

In your LaTeX code, use the delimiters \( and \) for inline equations and $$ and $$ for block equations.

Inline and Block (Display) Equations 

Inline Equations display math within a line of text so it flows naturally with surrounding words. 

  • Syntax in Canvas: \( your_equation_here \) 
  • Example: The formula for the area is \( A = \pi r^2 \). 
  • Display: The formula for the area is  A=πr2\ A = \pi r^2. 

Block (Display) Equations show math centered on its own line, often for larger or more important equations. 

  • Syntax in Canvas: $$ your_equation_here $$ 
  • Example: $$ E = mc^2 $$ 
  • Display:
E=mc2E = mc^2

Input MathML Code or LaTeX Document in Rich Content Editor’s HTML View

You can also add equations directly to Canvas by pasting MathML code or LaTeX that has been converted to HTML directly into the HTML editor in Canvas. You may want to choose this option if you already create your documents in LaTeX or already have MathML code from an equation tool. Adding your LaTeX documents or MathML code to Canvas ensures that your equations are accessible via the MathJax tools.

MathML Code

  1. Select Edit on the Canvas Page, Assignment, Discussion, Quiz, etc
  2. Select the </> icon below the Rich Content Editor box to switch to the HTML editor
  3. Paste your MathML code where you would like your equation to appear
  4. Click Save and review your equation(s)

LaTeX Documents

  1. Export LaTeX to HTML with a tool like Pandoc or R Studio 
  2. Copy HTML and paste to HTML editor in Canvas (select </> icon below Rich Content Editor text box) 
  3. Click Save
    • NOTE: If you have pasted a large HTML file, you may see the error message: “Input exceeds 500 KB limit. Please reduce the text size.” In our testing, clicking Save once or twice more will go ahead and save the page.
    • Canvas will automatically strip out extra javascript and other code in the head of your HTML file and keep the body of your content.
  4. Review page and equation formatting and edit as needed
  5. Return to Edit view and use the Canvas Accessibility Checker to resolve any other accessibility issues

For more information on converting LaTeX to HTML visit: 

Tips for Canvas 

  • Use the Equation Editor button in the Rich Content Editor to insert LaTeX without typing the delimiters manually. 
  • Avoid uploading equations as images. If you must, add descriptive alt text. Just know alt text of equations can be challenging to read by those using screen readers. 
  • Canvas uses MathJax to render LaTeX, so most standard LaTeX math commands work. 

For more information on using the Canvas Equation Editor: 

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Word Equation Editor

Microsoft Word’s equation editor provides a simple way to insert and format mathematical expressions using templates, UnicodeMath, or LaTeX input. When used correctly, it produces structured equations that screen readers can interpret, making Word documents more inclusive and compliant with accessibility standards. 

Microsoft Word’s built-in equation editor supports accessibility: 

  1. Go to Insert > Equation or press Alt + =. 
  2. Use the provided templates or type equations directly. 
  3. For advanced users, switch to LaTeX or UnicodeMath input. 
  4. Check accessibility:  
  5. Use Read Aloud in Word’s Learning Tools to verify how a screen reader interprets your equation. Tip: Do not use superscripts or subscripts created with formatting shortcuts—they won’t be read correctly by assistive tech. 

For more information: 

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Tools to Help Make Equations Accessible

MathCast is a free and open-source equation editor that allows you to input mathematical equations. These equations can be used in documents, emails, and webpages. The equations can be rendered graphically to the screen, to picture files, or to MathML. 

EquatIO is a paid digital math tool that lets users type, handwrite, or speak equations and convert them into accessible formats like MathML or LaTeX. It integrates with platforms such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, making STEM content easy to create and inclusive for all learners. Equatio has a yearly cost. 

MathType is a paid equation editor that lets users create and edit mathematical and scientific notation for documents, presentations, and web content. It supports LaTeX, MathML, and handwriting input, integrates with tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and LMS platforms, and ensures accessibility through screen reader compatibility and MathML output. The application has a 30-day free trial. 

Things to Avoid When Working With Equations

Images of equations. Generally, alt text descriptions provide a poor user experience as the alt text description cannot be paused, rewound, etc. Long and/or complex equations are very difficult to read in alt text format.

PDF files with equations. When equations are created using the Word equation editor and the file is saved as a PDF, the equation readability is lost. Alt text used to describe equations is not ideal as they cannot be navigated easily, and long equations are difficult to read. If using PDFs for your course materials, provide an accessible alternative as well.

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Additional Resources

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

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