Font Size Too Small with Inline Math Content

[jenmarsala]

Description

This issue is related to inline math content - when equations are typed along with other content on the same line (e.g. such as in a paragraph, or as part of a list or set of answer choices) instead of being typed on a line by itself.

When inline math content is created within Microsoft Word which contains fractions, exponents, superscripts/subscripts, etc., the display font for the mathematics can become so small that it is very difficult to read (presumably because Word decreases the size of the characters to keep the overall line height consistent). This can be an accessibility issue not only for those with low vision but for the sighted population.

Screenshots from Microsoft Word are included on this page and the source Word document is linked at the bottom of this page.

Sample Behavior

Case 1 of 3: when math content is on a line by itself

Five lines of math content are shown below along with associated text -- and where each math expression/equation is typed on its own line. The size of the characters within the fractions, subscripts, and superscripts retain their visual readability.

Screenshot from MS Word:

Case 2 of 3: when math content is inline with other content

The same five line of math content are shown below, but are placed inline with their associated text. Notice that the size of the characters within the fractions, subscripts, and superscripts become so small that they are difficult to read.

Screenshot from MS Word:

Case 3 of 3: when the font size of inline math content is adjusted upward

The same five lines of inline math content from Case 2 are shown below, and the font size of the math content (and the math content only) is changed from 11-point font to 16-point. Notice how the fractions, exponents, and superscripts are now visually larger and legible, but other simpler parts of the expression like x or f(x) are changed to 16-point font, making them look unusually large and not matching the font size of the rest of the document.

Screenshot from MS Word:

Desired Behavior

The upside to Microsoft Word's current behavior is that it keeps the line-height pretty constant, but the downside is that many characters are not large enough to be easily read -- not only by those with limited sight but by the sighted population. The user should have the choice for an inline math expression to have the same formatting/sizing as a math expression which is on a line by itself (i.e., so that inline math expressions in Case 2 will have the same appearance as expressions shown in Case 1.

One solution offered by our group is below.

Microsoft Word already has a pulldown menu associated with its equation tool, where users can change the type of output of the equation. A screenshot of the existing pulldown menu is below.

It would be helpful if Microsoft Word offered another option such as "Full-size professional" so that the output of inline math content can match the output of math content when displayed on a line by itself. Such an option could then be added to the Convert Menu in the toolbar as well.

Given the significant accessibility issues that Word's current behavior causes for a large segment of the population, perhaps the full-size output should be the default size, and users could be given the option to reduce the size if desired.

Source Word document

A Word document is attached which shows the behavior displayed above.

2025_02_10 Font Size Too Small with Inline Math Content.docx

System Information

Windows 10 Enterprise, Version 22H2. OS build 19045.5371.
64-bit operating system, x64-based processor.
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, Version 2412 (Build 18324.20194 Click-to-Run)