How to Write a Fraction on a Computer (PC, Mac, or Word)

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Plus, learn how to copy and paste fractions for digital use
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Learning how to type fractions on your computer is a helpful skill. Teachers and students can use the skill for homework assignments or research papers. Chefs can utilize it for professional recipe cards. Typed fractions are even seen in financial reports. The possibilities are endless! But how do you type the fraction? Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to type fractions on a PC or Mac device.

How do you type a fraction on a computer keyboard?

To type a fraction on a PC, start by entering the numerator or top number in the fraction. Then, add a forward slash to represent the divide sign and include the denominator immediately afterwards. For common fractions, such as 1/2 or 1/4, hold down the "alt" key and enter the code numbers 0189 or 0188.

Section 1 of 3:

Typing Fractions on a PC

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  1. This may be done by first typing the numerator (the top number of the fraction), the forward slash key ( / ), and the denominator (the bottom number of a fraction). An example would look like 5/32. [1]
    • If you want to type a whole number with a fraction, simply type the whole number followed by a space, and then include the fraction following the instruction above. For example, 1 1/2.
  2. There is a feature that will convert a fraction typed using the forward slash (as in the step above) and convert it to a fraction symbol. This function is usually on by default. However, you can check to ensure it is on by going to "Word Options". In the dialog box that appears, click "Proofing" and then click "AutoCorrect Options." There, you can turn AutoCorrect on or off. [2]
    • The fraction symbol features the numerator and denominator separated by a horizontal bar.
    • Be aware that this function may not work for all fractions.
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  3. A few common fractions have keyboard shortcuts that you can use by holding down the Alt key and typing the code numbers. [3]
    • 1/2 = Alt + 0 1 8 9
    • 1/4 = Alt + 0 1 8 8
    • 3/4 = Alt + 0 1 9 0
  4. You can also create a fraction in Word by using the equation function. [4]
    • Place the cursor where you would like the fraction to be.
    • Press Ctrl + F9 at the same time to insert a pair of field brackets.
    • Place the cursor inside the field brackets, and type EQ \F(n, d). The "n" is the numerator, and the "d" is the denominator.
    • You must use all capital letters and follow the EQ with a space.
    • Press the ⇧ Shift + F9 at the same time to create the fraction.
  5. In Word, you can format the font so that it appears as superscript text or subscript text. This will allow you to manipulate the font so that it appears as a fraction. [5]
    • Type the numerator, and highlight it.
    • Select Format from the menu, click Font, then select Superscript.
    • Press Ctrl and the space bar to clear the formatting for the next step.
    • Type a forward slash ( / ).
    • Type the denominator and highlight it. Select Format, then Font, then Subscript.
    • Press Ctrl + Space to clear the formatting again and move on with your typing.
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Section 2 of 3:

Typing Fractions on a Mac

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  1. The “System Settings” is where you’ll find all of the settings for your Mac. Follow these steps: [6]
    • Choose “Apple Menu” at the top left of the screen (indicated by an apple icon).
    • Select “System Settings.”
    • Click “Keyboard” in the sidebar.
    • Click on the tab entitled “Input Sources.”
    • Make sure the “Show Input menu in menu bar” box is checked.
    • Exit System Settings.
  2. 2
    Click on the “Keyboard Preferences” in the upper left menu bar. Navigate to the upper left-hand corner of your screen. Usually, beside the WiFi range single, there will be a rectangular box icon with a small “X” in it. Click this to open your “Keyboard Preferences,” then follow these steps:
    • Click “Show Emoji and Symbols”.
    • In the search box, type out the fraction you are looking for (e.g., 1/2=half, 1/8=eighth, 1/4=quarter). In the search results, the fraction you want to insert will appear.
    • Double-click the fraction in the results box, and it’ll be inserted into whatever document you’re working in.
  3. In most of Mac’s standard apps (e.g., Mail, Safari, Text Edit, etc.), this feature is already turned on, but if you’re using Pages, you must turn the feature on yourself. Follow these steps to automatically create fractions in Pages: [7]
    • While in Pages, go to “Preferences” under “Pages” in the upper right corner.
    • Select “Auto-Corrections.”
    • Check the box next to “Symbol and Text Substitutions.”
    • Check the symbols and substitutions you’re interested in using, including the “Fractions” box.
    • Type a fraction in your document. Type the numerator (number on top), a forward slash ( / ), and then the denominator (the number on the bottom). Pages should now automatically change this to look like a fraction. [8]
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Section 3 of 3:

Copying and Pasting Fractions

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  1. If you’re having trouble using one of the methods above, you can always copy and paste your fraction from another document. [9] If the fraction you want to use appears somewhere else in the document, or perhaps in a different document, quickly copy and paste it using these steps:
    • Highlight the fraction you want to use with your cursor.
    • Right-click on the highlighted text and click “Copy.”
    • Click back to the document you want the fraction on, and place the cursor where you want the fraction to appear.
    • Right-click again and select “Paste.”
    • If the text doesn't match the format of the document you’re working in, highlight the newly pasted fraction, and change the font and font size to that of the text in the document.
  2. If you don’t have the fraction handy in a different document, find it on a web page by searching for the fraction along with the word “fraction.” For example, if you want to include “1/10,” search for “1/10 fraction.”
    • Click through the results until you find the fraction you’re looking for. Then, as above, highlight the fraction and copy and paste it into your document.
    • If you need to change the formatting, highlight the fraction again and then change it to the correct font and font size.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I type the answer to 1/2 +3/4?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    There are several ways: 5/4, 1¼, 1 1/4, and 1-1/4. (For the second way, see Method 1, Step 3 above.)
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 32 Helpful 29
  • Question
    What if I want to type an equation with a fraction bar? How do I do that?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    The easiest way is to write the numerator, followed by a slash mark (/), followed by the denominator. For example, x/y, or (x + 3) / (y - 7).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 45 Helpful 24
  • Question
    How do I do it on a Chromebook?
    Ashenoy15
    Community Answer
    On a Chromebook, write the fraction in parentheses. The numerator and denominator should be separated by a slash. Example: (a/b) is a fraction.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 46 Helpful 15
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      • In Word, you can also consider removing the Math AutoCorrect feature that changes common fractions into symbols. This lets you choose the format for all fractions as you type. Do this by going to "Options," choosing "Proofing," and then "AutoCorrect Options." Select the "Math AutoCorrect" tab, and change the options as you like.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/insert-a-symbol-in-word-2a061ae9-5a6c-4407-b618-8dc3c9fd4f44
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/add-or-remove-autocorrect-entries-in-word-e7433b94-f3de-4532-9dc8-b29063a96e1f
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/insert-ascii-or-unicode-latin-based-symbols-and-characters-d13f58d3-7bcb-44a7-a4d5-972ee12e50e0
      4. ↑ https://libanswers.walsh.edu/faq/147443
      5. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/format-text-as-superscript-or-subscript-in-word-507cdffd-8169-4872-96ec-909ea5888dc6
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/guide/mac-help/mchl84525d76/mac
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ph/guide/pages/tanf3d8c3e49/mac
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ph/guide/pages/tan031d3206d/mac
      9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102553

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To type a fraction on a PC, start by entering the numerator or top number in the fraction. Then, addd a forward slash to represent the divide sign and include the denominator immediately afterwards. For common fractions, such as 1/2 or 1/4, hold down the "alt" key and enter the code numbers 0189 or 0188. Alternatively, find the fraction you want to use in another document or by searching for it online. Finally, select the fraction, copy it to your clipboard, and paste it into your document. For tips on how to set up your Mac for typing fractions, keep reading!

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