How to Write Meter Square in PowerPoint

PowerPoint / By /

Writing meter square symbols like m^2 and km^2 in PowerPoint can be useful when creating presentations with scientific, engineering, or mathematical content. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write meter square in PowerPoint using built-in tools and keyboard shortcuts.

Use the Superscript Tool

The easiest way to write meter square is using the Superscript tool in PowerPoint:

  1. Type the number and unit first (e.g. 9.6 million km)
  2. Type 2 after the unit
  3. Select the 2
  4. Go to the Home tab
  5. Click the Superscript button in the Font group (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + +)

This will convert the 2 to superscript to display as a meter square symbol.

For example, 9.6 million km2.

The same method works for other units like m, cm, mm to display as square meter, square centimeter, square millimeter, etc.

Insert Symbol from Fonts

Another option is to insert the squared symbol from symbol fonts:

  1. Click the Insert tab
  2. Click the Symbol button
  3. Select a font that contains the squared symbol such as Normal Text
  4. Scroll and select the symbol
  5. Click Insert to add to slide

This method allows inserting special characters not available in normal fonts.

Use Subscript for Special Symbols

Certain units and symbols require subscript formatting instead of superscript:

  1. Type the text first (e.g. O2)
  2. Select the 2
  3. Go to Home > Font
  4. Click the dialog box launcher (small arrow at bottom-right)
  5. Check the Subscript box
  6. Adjust offset if needed
  7. Click OK

Use this method for oxygen – O2, per cent symbol – %, etc.

Set Keyboard Shortcuts

For frequent use, set keyboard shortcuts for superscript and subscript:

  1. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon
  2. Choose Keyboard shortcuts
  3. Scroll to Superscript and Subscript
  4. Assign shortcut keys like Alt + = and Alt + –

Now you can quickly apply superscript and subscript formatting without the mouse.

Use LaTeX for Math Expressions

To write complex mathematical expressions:

  1. Type LaTeX code between double dollar signs (e.g. $$x^2 + y^2 = z^2$$)
  2. Press Enter when done
  3. LaTeX will automatically render on the slide

LaTeX allows creating properly formatted math equations easier compared to manual formatting.

Tips for Readability

Follow these tips for readability when writing meter square and math expressions:

  • Increase font size of exponents to at least 80% of normal text
  • Decrease font size of subscript to around 90%
  • Reduce subscript offset value if symbol looks too low
  • For fractions, consider using stacked fraction LaTeX instead of diagonal slash
  • Test different font families and sizes for optimal clarity

Taking the effort to tweak these settings will improve the professionalism of your scientific and technical presentations.

Conclusion

Writing meter square, mathematical expressions, and scientific symbols in PowerPoint has a small learning curve, but the methods covered above should get you started. With the superscript, subscript and LaTeX tools, you’ll be able to format all kinds of units, equations, chemical formulas, and more.

Consistently formatting these elements using the best practices will make your PowerPoint presentations look polished and authoritative. So apply these tips the next time you need to write meter square or math equations in your slides!

Related Posts