Number and reference equations with MathType for Google Docs

In this tutorial, you will add a number to a MathType display equation in Google Docs and create a bookmark-based reference that links readers to the equation.

By the end, you will have a numbered display equation and a hyperlink in the document text that points to it.

Before you begin

Prerequisites

• You should know how to insert an equation using MathType for Google Workspace.
• You should be familiar with the Google Docs ruler and basic paragraph formatting.

Requirements

• A Google document with editing permissions.
• MathType for Google Workspace installed and available in Google Docs.

Steps

Step 1: Add tab stops for the equation and its number

Why: A center tab stop positions the equation at the midpoint of the line, while a right tab stop positions its number at the right margin.

It is easiest to add the tab stops when you start a new document. For an existing document, select its contents by pressing Ctrl+A on Windows or Command+A on Mac before completing these steps.

1. Select View > Show ruler if the ruler is not visible.
2. Click the ruler halfway between the left and right margins. With the default margins, this is approximately 3¼ inches for Letter paper or 8 cm for A4 paper.
3. Select Add center tab-stop. 
   

   

    

4. Click the ruler at the right margin and select Add right tab-stop.

Checkpoint: The ruler shows a center tab stop at the midpoint and a right tab stop at the right margin.

Step 2: Insert and number the display equation

Why: The tab stops keep the display equation centered while aligning its number with the right margin.

1. Place the cursor in a new paragraph where you want to insert the equation.
2. Press Tab to move the cursor to the center tab stop.
3. Insert the equation using MathType.
4. Press Tab to move the cursor to the right tab stop.
5. Type the equation label and number.
    
6. Press Enter to continue writing the document.

Checkpoint: The equation is centered and its number is aligned with the right margin.

Step 3: Add a bookmark to the equation

Why: The bookmark creates a destination that you can link to from a reference elsewhere in the document.

1. Select the equation label and number. 
2. Select Insert > Bookmark. 
   

   

    

Checkpoint: The bookmark icon appears beside the numbered equation.

Step 4: Insert a reference to the equation

Why: Linking the reference to the bookmark lets readers navigate directly from the document text to the equation.

1. Place the cursor where you want to reference the equation.
2. Press Ctrl+K on Windows or Command+K on Mac. Alternatively, select Insert > Link or click theicon in the toolbar.
3. Select Headings, bookmarks, and tabs.
4. Select the bookmark for the equation you want to reference.
5. In the Text field, enter the equation label and number that you want to display. If Google Docs fills the field automatically, delete the asterisk that represents the equation and the tab so that only the label and number remain.
6. Select Apply.

Checkpoint: The equation label and number appear as a hyperlink in the document text.

Step 5: Verify the equation reference

Why: Testing the link confirms that the reference points to the intended equation.

1. Click the equation reference.
2. Click Bookmark in the link preview. 
   
3. Confirm that Google Docs moves to the intended equation.

Checkpoint: Selecting the bookmark link takes you to the numbered equation.

You're done

You have added a number to a MathType display equation and created a bookmark-based reference that links to it. Repeat the process for any other equations you need to reference.

When you download the document to a format that supports hyperlinks, use the appropriate method in the destination application to follow the link, such as clicking it or pressing Ctrl or Command while clicking. Plain-text files do not preserve hyperlinks.

Troubleshooting

The equation number or a reference is incorrect after adding, moving, or deleting an equation

Renumber the affected equations manually, then edit the visible text of every corresponding reference. Google Docs does not update automatically.

The equation or its number is not aligned correctly

Check that the center and right tab stops are positioned correctly on the ruler, then reapply the tabs to the equation paragraph.

The link text includes the equation or unwanted spacing

Edit the link and remove the equation and tab from the Text field, leaving only the equation label and number.

The reference opens the wrong equation

Edit the link and select the correct bookmark.