Using the Calculate Feature in Microsoft Word 365

Microsoft Word has a lot of rarely used features. One such feature is the Calculate option that allows you to preview the result of a numeric equation in a Word document in the status bar.

In this post, we will show you how you use the Calculate feature in Microsoft Word 365.

Ensuring the Quick Access Toolbar is Visible

The Quick Access Toolbar, as the name suggests, displays shortcuts to the features or commands you use frequently. By default, in Microsoft Word 365, the Quick Access Toolbar is visible above the ribbon as shown in the image below.

You can also configure the Quick Access Toolbar to display below the ribbon. To do this:

• At the right side of the Quick Access Toolbar, click the dropdown arrow, and then select Show Below the Ribbon.

If the Quick Access Toolbar is not visible:

1. Click the File tab.
2. In the options displayed on the left, at the very bottom, click More…, and then click Options.
   The Word Options dialog box is displayed.
3. In the left pane, click Quick Access Toolbar.
4. In the right pane, under the first list:
   1. Select Show Quick Access Toolbar.
   2. From the list, select the Toolbar Position.
   3. To display the command name along with the icon, select Always show command labels. In the screenshot above, the command labels are not displayed.
      
5. Click OK.

Adding the Calculate Option to the Quick Access Toolbar

1. In the Quick Access Toolbar, click the dropdown arrow, and then select More Commands.
   The Word Options dialog box is displayed.
2. In the right pane, from the Choose commands from list, select All Commands.
   The list below displays all available commands.
3. Scroll through the list and click Tools Calculate [Calculate].
   
4. Click Add >>.
5. Click OK.
   The Calculate option is added to the Quick Access Toolbar.

Note: By default, the Calculate icon appears in an inactive state. It changes to a blue circle icon only when you select an equation in the Word document.

Using the Calculate Option

1. Type an equation in the word document.
2. Select the equation.
   The Calculate icon turns blue.
3. On the Quick Access Toolbar, click the Calculate icon.
   The result is displayed in the status bar.

Some Other Useful Microsoft Word Tips

We have posted quite a few blog posts detailing various useful Microsoft Word features. Here are a few that may immediately interest you:

• Using AutoText Effectively
• Using AutoCorrect Effectively
• Display Available Keyboard Shortcuts
• Create Complex Page Layouts in Microsoft Word with Sections