Equals or equal to

First, let's correct your usage. When "equal" is used as a verb, it is never followed by a preposition.

A equals B -- correct, equals is a verb here.

A equals to B -- incorrect, equals is a verb here and should not be followed by a preposition

A was equal to B -- correct, equal is an adjective here.

Many equal 10 -- correct, equal is a verb here

Many equal to 10 -- incorrect, equal is a verb here and should not be followed by a preposition.

Many were equal to 10 -- correct, equal is an adjective here.

Which is "better"? Generally, active verbs are considered more interesting, and active sentences are preferred to passive sentences. There is, however, no hard and fast rule -- the choice is considered a matter of style.

A equals B -- active.

A was equal to B -- passive.

Many equal 10 --active.

Many were equal to 10 -- passive.

I hope this helps.