Microsoft Word has a calculator that you can add to a toolbar. You don’t have to be in a table to perform math!

The Calculator is quick to use for any simple on-screen calculations in a Word document.  

To add the Calculate tool to a toolbar, follow these directions:

1. Right-mouse click on any toolbar, click Customize,  then the Command tab.
2. In the Categories list, select Tools.
3. In the Commands list, find the Tools Calculate command and click on it.
4. Drag the Tools Calculate command onto any toolbar.  Remember you must see the I-beam to drop it to the toolbar.
5. The button appears grayed out until you select an equation.

Office 2007:

1. Click the arrowhead to the right of the Quick Launch Toolbar.
2. Click More Commands.
3. Select All Commands.
4. Scroll to Calculate and click the Add button to add it to your Quick Access Toolbar.

Check it out. Type an equation, select it, and click the Tools Calculate (Calculate in 2007) icon. The answer appears in the status bar at the bottom of the window and is copied onto the clipboard.  Click where you want the answer and press Ctrl+V to paste the answer.  

Remember, + = Add, - = Subtract, * = Multiply, and / = Divide.

Also, remember the standard order of operations within formulas:  Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally!  (Details in next week’s blog.)   15 – 3 * 4 = 3, not 48!