Equatio is an arguably revolutionary technological tool that brings math and science into the digital age.
For years there has been a lag as the typing of equations has been awkward and graph sharing inconsistent, leaving the jump to digital less well-covered for science over arts.
Equatio changes that by offering a more inclusive and optimal way of working with math and science equations digitally.
Developed by TextHelp, this tool lets users type naturally, handwrite on a touchscreen, or even speak equations aloud, in order to enter these digitally.
For teachers this is a great way to lessen the workload for assessments, worksheets, and more. And it offers consistency across devices.
This guide aims to lay out all you need to know about how Equatio could work in your class.
What is Equatio?
Equatio is an equation editor that allows math and science work to be created, edited, and shared digitally with ease.
One of the main selling points of this tool is that it offers a level playing field for all students by providing the tools they need to access equations though different methods.
These access points include handwriting math, speaking it, or visualizing it by converting from existing worksheets.
From students with special educational needs to EAL students, this platform aims to give independence to everyone who wants to engage with STEM learning. It even works in exam situations to ensure everyone can get access as they need.
This tools helps students and teachers communicate digitally through the use of formulas, graphs, equations, and visual explanations.
That works across a host of platforms and devices including Windows, macOS, Chrome, iOS, and online environments.
How does Equatio work?
Equatio works both as a stand alone app and a toolbar that can run overlaying other tools such as Google Docs, Word, Chrome browsers, and more.
This allows you to input in various ways that include typing, handwriting, speech, screenshot import, LaTeX input, or selection from symbol palettes.
Usefully, there is a predictive math engine that allows you to type naturally and it will help complete the rest to save time, if possible. For example, typing “sqrt” produces a radical symbol, and typing “2^3” automatically converts into an exponent.
This reduces the need for multistep formatting and allows students to focus on mathematical thinking rather than notation mechanics.
This applies to handwriting and speech inputs as well, as the system does the conversion for the user to make it as easy and quick as possible.
Teachers can setup multi-step problems, interactive tasks, or diagrams within the Mathspace digital STEM workspace environment. This lets students annotate, draw, rearrange, and show working clearly.
What are the best Equatio features?
Equatio features a really helpful Screenshot Reader tool that acts as a way to bridge the physical and digital worlds.
This allows teachers to capture images of printed worksheets, textbook pages, exam questions, or online graphics to have these converted into a digital example. The system will extract the mathematical notation and leave that available in an editable form.
The Mathspace, a virtual whiteboard of sorts, is ideal for problem-solving, modeling, or showing work. Teachers can create interactive worksheets, scaffold steps, or build manipulatives that students can rearrange.
Desmos graphing is fully supported so functions can be plotted, manipulated, and embedded into assignments. Students can quickly test ideas, explore behavior, and analyze relationships.
Equatio goes beyond algebra for math. Chemistry formulas, atomic structures, physics notation, and scientific operators are all supported, making it a full STEM tool.
The tool has a host of accessibility functions. Equatio supports learners with dysgraphia, processing difficulties, motor impairments, and more. It also integrates exam-access features for approved candidates.
How much does Equatio cost?
Equatio is available through a combination of individual subscriptions, institutional licenses, and pilots. While pricing can vary by region and deployment, the broad structure is:
A 30-day free trial for individuals, or a 90-day pilot for schools and districts wanting to test the tool with multiple users, is available.
The Individual license options, starting at $170/year, offer paid annual plans for single users.
The School or district licensing options off site-wide deployments with volume-based pricing, central management tools, and broad access for staff and students.
Pricing for a K-12 Group is $17/student/year, or for a K-12 District is $2.05/student/year.
Equatio best tips and tricks
Use Mathspace for modelling
Build worked examples in which each layer appears gradually. This helps students follow reasoning rather than just seeing final answers.
Create reusable templates
Set up equation frameworks, graphing tasks, unit-conversion grids, or chemistry balancing worksheets once, then duplicate each year.
Combine handwriting and typing
Encourage students to start by handwriting intuitively, then convert to typed notation to check for accuracy. It builds muscle memory and symbolic fluency together.
