Word: Number formulas automatically
You can also use the MS Office word processing program Word to automatically number formulas, even if you have to take a small detour. We show you how to get there quickly.
Correctly numbered formulas: No problem for Word either
With MS Word, figures and tables can be automatically numbered using the field function. Unfortunately, this function only knows the alternative of placing the label under or over the numbered object. This is not helpful for formulas; Formatting guidelines predominantly stipulate that formulas must be numbered consecutively, but this numbering should always be to the right of the formula. You can meet this formal requirement without having to do without the practical features of a field function.
- Write your first formula using the formula editor in a separate paragraph. Label the formula by calling the "Insert label" command in the "Labels" subgroup on the "References" tab.
- In the "Captions" dialog box that opens, Word already suggests that you number the objects using Arabic numbers. In the "Description" field, select the "Formula" entry from a drop-down list. Leave the default in the "Position" field unchanged. Place a check mark in the box next to "Do not use the label in the label". Confirm your entries by clicking "Ok". Now there is a "1" under the formula.
- Now create a one-line table with two columns. This table is used for the reliable positioning of formulas and numbering. Format the table according to the formatting rules that apply to your text. As a rule, the numbering should be right-justified and in parentheses, for example. In this case, insert the brackets in the second cell and align the element in the center and right of the cell.
- Copy your formula into the first cell of the table and the "1" of the field code into the second cell within the parentheses. Now remove the frame of the table by selecting the entire table and opening the dropdown menu next to the table symbol in the "Start" tab within the "Paragraph" command group. Click on the "No frame" entry. You will now see how all formulas will appear in your text.
- If you are satisfied with the layout of your formula, select the entire table. Delete the formula, but leave the numbering in the table. Now save the table as your own table template, for example under the name "Formula tab". If you are looking for detailed instructions, please read "Word: Create your own table templates".
- If you now want to insert another formula in your text, open the drop-down menu below the "Table" entry in the "Insert" tab. Scroll to Quick Tables in the menu, and then select your table template with one click. A sequential numbering is then automatically inserted right-justified in your text and you can create your new formula beforehand.
This practical tip is based on Word 2013. A list of figures is always part of a scientific paper. How to create this is described in "Word: Create list of figures - so it'll work".