---
title: Math And Spreadsheet Formulas
description: Write math notation and spreadsheet formulas without confusing them.
category: Editor
order: 80
---

# Math And Spreadsheet Formulas

Iliad renders math notation in Markdown and treats spreadsheet formulas as code-like text. They are different formats and should be written differently.

## Math

Use Markdown math delimiters for mathematical notation:

```markdown
Inline math: $E = mc^2$

Display math:
$$
\int_0^1 x^2 dx
$$

LaTeX inline math: \(a^2 + b^2 = c^2\)

LaTeX display math:
\[
\sum_{i=1}^{n} i
\]
```

Iliad renders supported math visually when inactive and shows the source when you edit the line.

## Spreadsheet Formulas

Spreadsheet formulas such as Excel or Google Sheets formulas are not math notation. Write them as inline code or fenced code:

````markdown
Use `=SUM(B2:B12)` for the total.

```text
=IF(A2="Yes", B2*0.8, B2)
```
````

## What To Expect

Math is rendered for reading. Spreadsheet formulas are preserved as literal text so punctuation, cell references, commas, and quotes stay exactly as written.

## Limits

- Iliad renders formulas; it does not calculate spreadsheet results.
- Code fences and inline code are protected from math rendering.
- Some Markdown tools support different math delimiters, so check the target system if you publish elsewhere.
- Do not write spreadsheet formulas as LaTeX math, and do not backslash-escape formula punctuation unless the target spreadsheet syntax requires it.