How To Make a Matrix In Google Docs

Last Updated : 10 Apr, 2025

How to Insert Matrix in Google Docs - Quick Steps
Open your Google Docs document.
Click where you want the matrix.
Go to "Insert" Tab >> Go to Equation >> choose "Insert equation."
Use the provided matrix template >>Fill in your matrix values.
Click outside the equation box to exit.
Your matrix is now seamlessly inserted into your Google Docs document!

Need to insert a matrix in your Google Docs document but unsure where to start? Whether you’re working on a complex math problem, organizing data, or trying to display multiple options in a neat, grid-like structure, creating a matrix can help present the information clearly. Google Docs offers multiple ways to create matrices, from using built-in equations to inserting tables or leveraging third-party add-ons.

This guide will walk you through three methods for inserting a matrix in Google Docs, so you can choose the approach that works best for your needs.

How to Make a Matrix in Google Docs by Using Equations

You must use this method to insert a matrix in Google Docs only when your matrix contains two rows. Follow the steps to learn how to insert matrix in Google Docs.

Step 1: Go to Insert and Select Equations

Go to the "Insert" tab and click on the Equation option.

Step 2: Click on “Mathematical operators” and select “Square brackets”

In the equation ribbon that opens, go to the Maths operation drop-down and click on the square brackets to insert them.

Step 3: Go to “Mathematical operators” and Select “xba”

If the matrix contains only 1 row, you can simply type the values with spaces:

But for getting two rows, you must place the cursor inside the matrix and then select the x^b_aequation from the Maths operation drop-down.

Step 4: Enter the numbers

To add the first column, click on the right arrow on your keyboard so that the cursor moves to the subscript. Type the first value. Then insert the second Value

Once that's done, press Enter. You will see that the cursor changes to cover the entire length of the matrix:

Step 5: Press the Spacebar

First press space so that the cursor looks like this:

Now, you can repeat the step 4 to add more columns in the matrix:

How to Make a Matrix in Google Docs Using Tables

Using equations to insert a matrix in Google Docs is quite easy. However, they are quite limited in the way that they only allow us to add 2 columns to the matrix. Thus, in order to add as many columns and rows as you desire, you can use tables to insert matrix in Google Docs.

Step 1: Go to Insert and Select Table

Go to the "Insert" tab and insert a table.

Tip: Insert only one row and keep the number of columns two extra than the number of columns you want in the matrix.

Go to Insert and Select Table — insert table

Step 2: Select the table size

Since we are creating a 4 x 3 matrix here, we need 3 columns plus 2 more. So, we will insert a 5 by 1 table.

Step 3: Add the numbers

Insert the values in the table using the enter key in this manner:

Step 4: Increase the width of the table border

Click anywhere inside the table and go to Table options by clicking on the three dots in the top-right corner.

In the side pane that opens, click on the Color drop-down and select thickness from the Table border drop-down

Step 5: Compress the columns

Hover over each column border and once it changes to an arrowhead, drag the border to bring the matrix close together.

Step 6: Remove the inner borders

To get a matrix structure, you must now remove the column borders highlighted below:

remove highlighted inner borders — remove highlighted borders

To remove a border, simply click on it, and choose 0pt from the Column Border menu in the ribbon.

change columns width — change border width

And there you have your matrix:

Note: Although this might appear a time consuming method, you only have to do it once. For inserting more matrices, simply copy paste the matrix and change values. You can even enter more rows and columns in the matrix after copy pasting it.

How to Make a Matrix in Google Docs by Using a Free Add-on

Now here are steps to make a make a matrix in Google Docs:

Step 1: Go to the Google Workspace marketplace

Follow this link to go to the Google Workspace Marketplace.

Step 2: Search for the Hypatia and create an extension

Search for Hypatia create (an extension) and click on the first extension that shows up.

Step 3: Install the extension

Click on the "Install" option to start the installation. Sign in and give permission to allow the download like you normally do.

Step 4: Go to the Insert option

Go to the Google Docs file and open the Hypatia create extension drop-down from the Extension tab. Choose the Insert/Edit Math option from the drop-down.

Step 5: Search for the matrix

In the dialog box that opens, click on the search icon present at the bottom right corner and search for matrix.

Step 6: Insert the matrix

Scroll to see the available matrices and click on the one you wish to insert and click "Insert".

Step 7: Add values

In the dialog box itself, you can add the values of the matrix. Use the arrow keys to move between the different indices.

Step 8: Click Insert

Once you are satisfied with the matrix, insert it in the Google Docs using the Insert option present at the bottom right corner.

And here you have your matrix:

Conclusion

Whether you need a quick and simple matrix for your math homework or a more visually appealing matrix for a report or presentation, Google Docs provides several methods to insert a matrix. From using the equation editor for mathematical equations to tables for clear and organized data display or even free add-ons for advanced formatting—there’s a solution for everyone. Choose the method that best fits your project, and you’ll be able to create and customize your matrix with ease in no time.

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