Word uses Cambria Math as the default font for equations, but you can change it to any font installed on your computer
When you insert an equation in Word using the Insert menu, the program automatically formats it in Cambria Math. If you prefer a different font — whether for consistency with your document or personal preference — you can change the default so every new equation uses your chosen font instead. This setting applies to all future equations you create in that document and in new documents you start afterward.
The process involves opening the equation editor, selecting all the equation text, and changing the font through the Home tab. Once you set it, Word remembers your choice for subsequent equations.
Key Takeaways
- Word's default equation font is Cambria Math, which appears automatically when you insert an equation.
- You change the default by opening an equation, selecting all text with Ctrl+A, then choosing a new font from the Home tab.
- The font change applies to all new equations in that document and in new documents you create afterward.
- Not all fonts work equally well for equations — fonts with clear mathematical symbols like Times New Roman or Arial work better than decorative fonts.
- If you want to change the font for just one equation, you do not need to set a new default; you can format that single equation without affecting others.
How to change the equation font in your current document
Start by placing your cursor where you want the equation to appear. Go to the Insert tab at the top of Word, then click Equation in the Symbols group. A blank equation box opens with Cambria Math already active.
Type or paste your equation into the box. Once your equation is complete, select all the text inside the equation box by pressing Ctrl+A. The entire equation should highlight in blue. Now go to the Home tab and click the font dropdown menu — it currently shows "Cambria Math." Click the font you want to use instead. The equation updates immediately to the new font.
This change affects only that single equation. To make the new font your default for all future equations, you need to take one additional step: with the equation still selected, right-click inside the equation box and choose Set as Default (the exact wording varies slightly by Word version, but look for an option mentioning "default"). Word now uses this font for every new equation you create in this document.
Making the change permanent across all your documents
If you want your chosen font to become the default in every new Word document you create going forward, you need to set it in the Normal template. Open a blank document and insert an equation using the steps above. Change the font to your preference and set it as default. Close the document without saving — Word will prompt you to save changes to the Normal template. Click Yes.
From that point on, every new document you create will use your chosen equation font as the default. Documents you created before this change will still use their original defaults unless you manually update them.
If you work with templates other than Normal — for example, a company template or a thesis template — you can repeat this process with that template open instead. Each template can have its own equation font default.
Which fonts work best for equations
Not every font displays equations clearly. Cambria Math is the default because it includes a full set of mathematical symbols and operators that display correctly at any size. If you switch to a different font, choose one that also contains these symbols.
Times New Roman and Arial are safe choices — both include mathematical symbols and are widely available. Courier New works if you need a monospace font. Avoid decorative fonts like Comic Sans or script fonts, which often lack the symbols equations need and can make formulas hard to read.
If you choose a font and your equation displays with missing symbols or strange characters, switch back to Cambria Math or try Times New Roman instead. The font you choose should match the body text of your document for visual consistency, but readability of the math itself comes first.
Changing the font for just one equation without setting a default
You do not need to set a new default if you only want to change one equation. Insert the equation normally, select all the text with Ctrl+A, and change the font from the Home tab. When you click outside the equation box, it keeps the font you chose while all other equations in the document remain in their original font.
This approach is useful when you have one equation that needs to match a special format or when you are working in a document where most equations should stay in Cambria Math but one or two need something different.
Troubleshooting when the font does not change
If you select the equation text and change the font but nothing happens, make sure you are actually inside the equation editor. The equation box should have a border around it and your cursor should be blinking inside. If you are outside the equation box, the font change applies to regular text, not the equation.
Another common issue: you changed the font but the symbols still look wrong. This usually means your chosen font does not include all the mathematical symbols your equation needs. Switch to a font known to support math, like Times New Roman or Cambria Math itself, and try again.
If you set a new default but new equations still appear in Cambria Math, Word may not have saved the change to your template. Repeat the process: create an equation, change the font, set it as default, and make sure you save changes to the Normal template when prompted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the equation font size separately from the font itself?
Yes. Select the equation text with Ctrl+A, then use the font size dropdown on the Home tab (it shows a number like "11" or "12") to make the equation larger or smaller. You can change size and font independently.
Does changing the default equation font affect equations I already created?
No. The default change applies only to new equations you create after making the change. Existing equations keep their original font unless you manually select and change them.
What if my chosen font does not have all the math symbols I need?
Switch to a font that includes a complete set of mathematical symbols, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Cambria Math. If you need specialized symbols beyond what standard fonts offer, Cambria Math is your best option.
How do I undo a default font change for equations?
Create a new equation, change it back to Cambria Math, and set that as the default. Or close Word without saving changes to the Normal template after you make an unwanted change — Word will revert to the previous default.
Do I need to change the font for equations in headers and footers separately?
No. The default equation font applies everywhere in the document, including headers, footers, and text boxes. Once you set a new default, it works the same way in all locations.