How to use Apple Notes for instant equation results on iOS 18

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Tired of juggling between Apple Notes and Calculator? A math feature in iOS 18 lets you solve equations instantly with just a quick settings tweak.

Apple Notes icon with a yellow background, surrounded by various mathematical formulas and geometric diagrams.
How to tweak math results in Apple Notes



If you're like most people, the Apple Notes app on your iPhone is a go-to for jotting down ideas, to-do lists, and even the occasional math equation. It's quick, convenient, and always just a tap away. But Notes can actually solve equations for you.

The new math result feature in iOS 18's Notes app transforms how you handle equations during note-taking. Instead of relying on a separate calculator or switching apps mid-task, Notes can now recognize, calculate, and display results directly in your document.

Math Notes seamlessly integrates math functionality whether you're a student solving quick problems, a professional calculating figures during a meeting, or someone organizing expenses. It's efficient and a handy alternative to a dedicated calculator for everyday math tasks.

How to change the Math Result options



Changing the Math Result options in the Notes app is quick and easy. It unlocks a smoother way to handle calculations directly in your notes. Instead of manually tapping the "=" sign, enable automatic result display in the Settings app.


  1. Open Apple Notes and either create a new note or open an existing one.

  2. Enter a mathematical equation, such as 5+3. The setting for math results will only appear after typing an equation.

  3. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the toolbar to access additional options under Math Results.



The setting called Suggest Results means you have to press the space bar after the equation result appears to insert it into the note. The Insert Results option means the answer will be automatically inserted.

Three iPhone screens showing a note-taking app solving '2+2' with menu options for math results, including insert and suggest options.
Changing the Math Result options in the Notes app is quick and easy



Math Results makes it easy to handle quick calculations without switching to the calculator. Enabling automatic math results in the Notes app transforms it into a versatile tool for quick and effortless calculations.

It helps you reduce unnecessary taps and save time, making the app even more convenient for everyday use. Math Notes ensure the Notes app stays ahead in assisting you with productivity and organization, whether for work, school, or personal projects.



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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 9
    It would be useful to everybody, online press, users, and even Apple, to use the correct language.
    Notes do not solve equations, it computes expressions. 
    An equation is something like x^2-1= 0, and solving it means finding the values of the 'variables' that make the equality true.
    Computing an expression is executing a algorithm writter as a mathematicak expression: 3*5-2 means multiply 3 by 5, add 2 and tell us the results.
    The two things are wildly different, with different use cases, and very different complexity.

    Maurizio
    appleinsideruserForumPostwilliamlondonsphericjib
     3Likes 1Dislike 1Informative
  • Reply 2 of 9
    Maurizio said:
    It would be useful to everybody, online press, users, and even Apple, to use the correct language.
    Notes do not solve equations, it computes expressions. 
    An equation is something like x^2-1= 0, and solving it means finding the values of the 'variables' that make the equality true.
    Computing an expression is executing a algorithm writter as a mathematicak expression: 3*5-2 means multiply 3 by 5, add 2 and tell us the results.
    The two things are wildly different, with different use cases, and very different complexity.

    Maurizio
    Yes, I agree that would still be ‘compute’, but it is common even in math classes to say if a^2+b^3‎=?, and if a=3 and b=2, ‘solve’, or more commonly, ‘calculate’ the expression rather than compute the expression.  
    It’s technically better to say compute, although I prefer calculate. 
    Using the word “compute” was rare in my math background long ago. I got an 800 score in the SAT Advanced Math level II test, but that was 60 years ago. So I was pretty fussy about math terms too.  Has usage changed?  

    In 1960 through 1965, during my advanced H.S. math program, we didn’t have digital computers—they were in Universities with punch card input.  The term computer also described a person who specialized in solving advanced math problems and in high volumes. I think that’s a clue to older folks saying “solve the problem“—that’s what our teachers told us to do. So I think it comes down to expression vs equation. An equation equates two sides of the ‘equals’ sign. 

    Expressions and calculation results pasted from notes:  

    a=3, b=2

    a^2+b^3‎ = 17

    ———————————

    a=3, b=2, c=4

    3a^3 + 2b^2 +3c‎ = 101

    Another thought on this is that when you calculate the expression, you put an ‘equals’ sign and the result on the right. Ipso facto, you have an equation!

    Note: This is the first time I’ve typed an algebraic math problem in Apple Notes on an iPhone. I’m impressed with Math Notes. 

    I also wonder if a future version of Math Notes will have some abilities to solve equations.  

    edited December 2024
    ForumPostwilliamlondonsphericjib
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  • Reply 3 of 9
    m4m40m4m40 Posts: 45member
    I just wish it had a Markdown mode so I could use it for technical notes.
    williamlondonspheric
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 4 of 9
    sflagelsflagel Posts: 875member
    I may be using it wrong, but I have found dysfunctionality completely useless in notes. For example, it doesn’t recognise numbers written in a column with a line below it to do a sum. It also does not recognise divisions original as a fraction very often. 
    For example, if you write multiple calculations below each other, and want to do the sum of the results (so a basic table), it doesn’t recognise that, It is just too fickle.
    edited December 2024
    dewmeForumPostwilliamlondon
     1Like 1Dislike 1Informative
  • Reply 5 of 9
    Maurizio said:
    Computing an expression is executing a algorithm writter as a mathematicak expression: 3*5-2 means multiply 3 by 5, add 2 and tell us the results.

    Maurizio
    ** cough **
    subtract 2
    ** cough **
    appleinsideruserForumPostknoxDavid
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  • Reply 6 of 9


    IThe term computer also described a person who specialized in solving advanced math problems and in high volumes.
    My understanding was the term computer referred to people who solved repetitive mathematical problems - not necessarily advanced math problems.  My memory tells me things like ballistics calculations...  but my memory is not what it once was (and was not that good then).


    muthuk_vanalingamsphericjib
     2Likes 0Dislikes 1Informative
  • Reply 7 of 9
    dewmedewme Posts: 6,045member
    I would be surprised if more than a tiny percentage of Apple users are taking advantage of the math features in Notes. It is a clever tool but it fills a narrow niche. I’ve used tools like MathCAD since the 1980s and they are extremely useful for solving complex formulas and illustrating the mathematical derivations in a stepwise fashion with a lot of surrounding text that explains how the functions and formulas related to a problem you’re trying to solve or a mathematical proof.

    These sorts of things are frequently necessary when writing a white paper or creating a technical report that serves as a journal to show how you approached coming up with a solution with evidence of its relevance through evaluation of data sets and variables. 

    The underlying mathematical logic and formulas in Notes is certainly powerful just like the mathematical logic and formulas in Microsoft Excel are far more sophisticated than most people realize. The math is the math, and what tools like Excel, Notes, MathCAD, tools is give you a way to illustrate the math that you must already understand. As a learning tool, I don’t know. The ancient chalkboard and whiteboard illustration mechanisms have proven themselves quite well and require very little technology to serve their purpose. 
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 8 of 9
    emoelleremoeller Posts: 600member
    One would have thought that Apple would have coordinated its former iWork suite more by now.  I want to be able to insert a Numbers/Word/Keynote resizable box in a Pages, Notes, Messages, Freeborm etc. and have it be functionally identical to its base app and vice versa.   This should have been acccomplished years ago.

    As VisionPro matures this would be a key advantage in spatial computing work.   And by the way where is VisionPro OS "undo"????
    dewmewilliamlondon
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 9 of 9
    sphericspheric Posts: 2,767member
    emoeller said:
    And by the way where is VisionPro OS "undo"????
    I don't own an AVP, but try shaking your head… 
    williamlondon
     0Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
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