Skip to main content

How to Use Speech to Math (Math Mode) in Helperbird

Learn how to turn on Math Mode in Helperbird's voice typing and dictate equations out loud. Say 'x squared plus y squared' and get x² + y².

·

  • features
  • writing
  • maths

Math Mode lets you speak equations and have Helperbird write them as proper math notation. Say "x squared plus three x" and get x² + 3x, which suits anyone who finds typing maths slow or difficult.


What is Math Mode?

Math Mode is one of Helperbird's voice typing modes. With it on, your dictation is converted from spoken English into formatted mathematical notation as you talk. It covers a huge vocabulary: Greek letters, fractions, exponents, roots, integrals, derivatives, and more.


How to Turn On Math Mode

Step 1: Start voice typing

Open Helperbird and start Voice Typing (in the popup, the PDF reader, or the Equation Editor).

The Voice typing panel open in the Helperbird popup, with the language menu and Speak button

The screenshot above is the Voice typing panel in the popup, which is where you begin. The Mode picker itself is not here: it appears in the dictation bar on the page once you press Speak, next to the microphone.

Step 2: Open the options menu

Open the voice typing options menu beside the microphone.

Step 3: Choose Math under "Mode"

Pick Math. A check mark shows it's active, and a π badge appears on the microphone so you always know your dictation will be read as maths. Math Mode stays on until you change it, and the setting follows you between the popup, PDF reader, and Equation Editor.

Step 4: Speak

Press the microphone and dictate. Your words are converted as you go.


What You Can Say

What to say, and the maths you get.
You sayYou get
"x squared plus three x"x² + 3x
"square root of 72"√72
"alpha equals pi r squared"α = πr²
"the integral from zero to one of x squared"∫₀¹ x²
"a over b"a/b
"x is greater than or equal to y"x ≥ y

Tip: you can drop the word "of", so "square root seventy two" works the same as "square root of 72".


Where It Works

Math Mode is available wherever Helperbird offers voice typing:

  • The popup: dictate maths into any website.
  • The PDF reader: dictate maths into your notes.
  • The Equation Editor: dictate equations straight into the math field.

For chemistry and physics dictation, switch to Chemistry or Physics mode instead. See the related guide below. Voice typing is a Helperbird Pro feature.



Need Additional Help?

If you have any questions or run into any issues, please contact the Helperbird support team. You can reach us at Helperbird support. We are happy to help you get the most out of Helperbird.

Printed from the Helperbird Help Center · Updated August 28th, 2026

Questions? We are happy to help — helperbird.com/support

Reviews from the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons and G2

Join over 1,000,000 people who use Helperbird every day.

It has really changed my life

It is simply amazing, Helperbird helps you find out from everything from the Readermode feature, color changes and so much more. It has really changed my life!!
John Mc CarthyHelperbird user

Robert showed great patience and ...

Excellent company and so easy to deal with. Robert showed great patience and answered every question I put. I use it for immersive reading and it is an excellent app. Well done.
SeamusFirefox user

has been a vast help and I fully ...

I purchased this for my daughter who has been having a lot of difficulty accessing the online work set remotely by her teachers during our National Lockdown because of Covid-19. Her dyslexia was really hindering her ability to complete tasks and keep up which in turn led to increased anxiety levels...a really horrid place to be in during a global pandemic! Helper bird has been a vast help and I fully recommend it and wish more schools knew about it. Thank You Helper Bird.
Michelle Howard-PriceAssistive technology specialist
Helperbird logo: a stylized owl with large round yellow eyes and a beige face.

Download Helperbird

Text to speech, dyslexia fonts, reading rulers, color overlays, and 43 more.

Free to add, and the everyday tools stay free. Works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari.