How to Use Apple Notes for Instant Equation Results on iOS 18

Apple Notes is the built-in note-taking application for Apple devices that comes pre-installed on iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. Whether it’s a creative idea that came into your mind out of nowhere, a quick thought that just popped in, or even your to-do list or grocery list, Apple Notes has got you covered. Simple in design and easy to use, Apple Notes is connected with iCloud as well, making notes available on all your Apple devices. And so far, most Apple users will agree on the fact that Apple Notes is their go-to note-taking app.

A few months ago, iOS 18 was released with a bunch of new updates and some controversial additions. And of course, Apple didn’t forget to enhance the note-taking experience for their users by adding a cool equation result feature to the good old Apple Notes.

Ever been in a situation where you needed to calculate a total and have it noted, so you had to switch between Apple Notes and your calculator? If that’s you, consider those troubles and the inconvenience as history. Apple has a fix for you on the iPhone, making it easier to work with formulas and equations, all in one place.

Apple Notes now supports math written using Western Arabic numerals and common mathematical symbols or typed using Eastern/Western Arabic and Devanagari numerals and common mathematical symbols.

how to use apple notes for instant equation results on ios 18

How Do You actually Get the Instant Equation Results?

Enough of the details. Now let’s actually get to know how to get the magic done. Here’s a stepwise comprehensive guide:

  1. Go to the Notes app on your iPhone.
  2. Create a new note or open an already existing note.
  3. Insert the equation you want to calculate. Notes allow you to input the equation in 03 ways.
  4. Type the equation through the keypad, followed by the equal sign.
  5. Tap on the “Markup Toolbar” and write the mathematical expression horizontally along with the equal sign at the end.
  6. Tap on the “Markup Toolbar”, write the list of numbers vertically, and draw a horizontal line below the last number to add the list of numbers. (To perform a separate operation other than calculating the total, write the respective operator on the left of each number.)
  7. Western Arabic, Eastern Arabic, or Devanagari numerals and math symbols will be automatically recognized and operated by Notes.
  8. Done! The handy in-app calculator in Notes has done the math for you.

apple notes instant equation results

Changing Options On the Instant Equation Results

Options on the instant equation results in Notes can be changed pretty easily, as per your preference. Insert the equation in any one of the methods mentioned above. Once the equation is inserted, the three-dot menu appears in the top-right corner of the toolbar. Tap on it to access the settings, and now you can adjust the settings as you wish.

The three-dot menu offers you three options to select:

  • Insert Results
  • Suggest Results
  • Off

“Insert Results” is the option that’s selected by default. This includes the math result automatically to your current note once the equation is entered and the equal mark is pressed.

As the name suggests, the “Suggest Results” option only suggests the instant math result. Once the equation is entered and the equal mark is pressed, the result will be suggested, and in order to include it in the note, the space bar has to be pressed.

The “Off” option will turn off the instant equation results feature.

Suppose you happen to do work on a quick sum regarding your calculus class or happen to calculate the total sales at a meeting in a rush. In that case, Apple Notes is ready to make life easier, with math operations running smoothly in your simple note-taker. So if you’re an iPhone user with iOS 18, give this new Apple Notes feature a try! At times of rush and complexity, Note is here to save your time and focus. So go on, give it a go!