Head-to-head · Math Equation Editor Software
LibreOffice Math vs LyX
LibreOffice Math leads on 0 checks, LyX on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreLibreOffice Math · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresLibreOffice Math · 1 of 6
LibreOffice Math scores higher on our rubric for math equation editor software: 9.2 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.
LibreOffice Math is the better fit for free formula editing in an office suite. LyX is the better fit for structured math-heavy document authoring.
- LibreOffice Math fits best
Free formula editing in an office suite
- LyX fits best
Structured math-heavy document authoring
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Side by side
| Feature | LibreOffice Math 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | LyX 9.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Ranking | #1 in Math Equation Editor Software | #2 in Math Equation Editor Software |
| Best for | Free formula editing in an office suite | Structured math-heavy document authoring |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 7 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features LibreOffice Math 1/6 · LyX 0/6 | ||
| OCR to equation | — | Not checked yet |
| Office add-in | — | Not checked yet |
| Web editor | — | Not checked yet |
| Handwriting input | — | Not checked yet |
| MathML export | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| LaTeX export | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Primary deployment | Desktop | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | As the formula editor in the LibreOffice suite, LibreOffice Math is designed for writing and displaying mathematical and scientific notation rather than calculating it. Users enter formulas with a markup language, choose predefined… Read the review → |
LyX is free, open-source desktop software for structured and technical document authoring. Its WYSIWYM interface combines automated document structure with TeX/LaTeX typesetting, making it suited to academic articles, theses, books,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
LibreOffice Math — where it wins
- Free desktop software for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Integrates with Writer, Calc, Impress, and Draw
- Supports MathML export and customizable symbol catalogs
Where it doesn't
- Desktop-only; no browser-based editor
- Does not calculate formulas
- No OCR-to-equation or handwriting input
LyX — where it wins
- Integrated formula editor with structured WYSIWYM document authoring
- Change tracking, revision tracking, and external version-control integration
- Imports and exports LaTeX, PDF, HTML, OpenDocument, RTF, and Word
Where it doesn't
- Desktop-only deployment does not support browser-based editing workflows
- Community and documentation channels are the listed support options
- Its broad document workflow may exceed needs of simple equation editing
- LibreOffice Math9.2/10 · Free plan
A free desktop formula editor for authoring equations across the LibreOffice suite.
Visit LibreOfficeFull verdict → - LyX9.1/10 · Free plan
Free, cross-platform authoring with integrated math, references, revisions, and format flexibility.
Visit LyXFull verdict →
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- LyX vs MathType (WIRIS Editor)
All math equation editor software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update