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How to Type Fractions in Microsoft Word

Fractions are used in all sorts of writing, from scientific discipline and math papers to financial reports, and fifty-fifty recipes. Merely what is the best way to write numeric fractions in Microsoft Word if you want professional results?

In this post, we wait at your options, which include:

Typing fractions as regular text on a single line.
Using pre-formatted fraction symbols.
Creating a fraction using the fraction division slash symbol.
Using the "Equation" tool to create a custom fraction.

We'll wait at how each of these approaches work below.

Typing Fractions on a Single Line

The simplest way to write fractions in Microsoft Word is to simply use a forward slash between the numerator and denominator (i.e., the two numbers that make up a fraction):

Add 2/3 of a cup of buttermilk to the flour mixture.

This volition be fine in almost cases, peculiarly in less formal writing.

However, some style guides specify using fraction symbols, which tend to look more than professional every bit well. So, what are your options if y'all want to use pre-formatted fraction symbols in Microsoft Word?

Autoformatting Common Fractions in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word will automatically format sure fractions (i.e., ¼, ½, ¾) every bit symbols if you type them in equally shown higher up. For instance, if yous type "1/2" in d Microsoft Word document, every bit long as you take the default autoformatting turned on, information technology will automatically change to the ½ symbol.

You lot can turn this feature on or off via the proofing options. To practise this:

Go to File > Options > Proofing (or Word > Preferences in Word for Mac).
Click AutoCorrect Options and select the AutoFormat Every bit You Type tab (or Authoring and Proofing > AutoCorrect in Discussion for Mac).
Check or uncheck the box for fractions under Replace as you type…
Click OK to relieve your autocorrect settings.

Autoformat options for fractions in Microsoft Word. — Autoformat options for fractions in Microsoft Discussion.

If required, you tin even customize autocorrect to use other fraction symbols. Nosotros'll look at how to access these symbols next.

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Accessing Other Fraction Symbols

Microsoft Word for Windows likewise has pre-formatted symbols for other fractions (e.g., ⅓, ⅔, ⅛, ⅜, ⅝, ⅞). And to access these, you need to:

Place your cursor where you want to insert the fraction.
Go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.
In the Subset card, choose Number Forms.
Select the fraction you lot want to use and click Insert.

The fraction symbol will then be inserted into the text in the place selected when yous close the card. In improver, the selected symbol will exist added to the quick access menu under "Symbols."

Mac users, meanwhile, tin can admission pre-formatted symbols for other fractions by searching for "fraction" in the character viewer menu.

Fractions in the Character View menu. — Fractions in the Graphic symbol Viewer menu.

Using the Segmentation Slash to Create Custom Fractions

Ane way to write custom fractions is to use the division slash ( ∕ ). This is a little different to a regular forward slash, and by formatting the numbers before and subsequently the slash correctly, you cease up with a fraction that looks more like the pre-formatted ones above (e.chiliad., ⁵∕₆, ⁸∕₉).

To create a custom fraction like this:

Place the cursor where yous want to insert a fraction.
Type the numerator (i.e., the pinnacle number) in superscript (to turn on superscript, click the X² button in the Home tab).
Open the Symbols carte as described above.
In the Subset card, choose Number Forms (or Math Symbols in the character viewer on Mac).
Select the segmentation slash and click Insert to add information technology your document. Make sure that it is formatted as regular text (not superscript or subscript).
Blazon the denominator (i.east., the lesser number) in subscript (to plow on subscript, click the X_two button in the Abode tab).

This will give you a ^numerator∕_denominatorfraction in the place selected.

The Superscript and subscript buttons in Microsoft Word. — The superscript and subscript buttons in Microsoft Discussion.

Using the Equation Tool to Add a Fraction

Finally, Microsoft Word as well features an "Equation" tool, which includes an option to create a custom fraction. To use this:

Become to Insert > Equation on the main ribbon.
Click Equation and select Insert New Equation.
On the Equation Tools tab, select Fraction and pick a fraction design.
In the box that appears, add together the numerator and denominator.

This is your best option if you're using a fraction every bit function of an equation or presenting it split from the main text in the certificate. However, equation fields don't always fit well with surrounding text in other cases.

Adding a fraction in an equation. — Calculation a fraction in an equation.

Professional person Proofreading Services

Withal yous cull to write fractions in Microsoft Discussion, you need to make certain they are clear and consistent at all times! And to be extra sure of this, you may desire to submit a document to our proofreading services.