How to Input Fractions in Microsoft Word Documents
Although Excel is Microsoft 365’s number-crunching app, many users must also insert mathematical symbols into Word documents. Thankfully, you can easily insert several common mathematical symbols into Microsoft’s word processor.
One such common math symbol is the fraction sign. Many users undoubtedly use it, so how do you input them? Word lets you easily place common fractions like ½, ¼, ⅓, etc. These are four ways you can add fractions to your Microsoft Word document.
1. Input Fractions by Selecting Word’s AutoFormat Setting for Fractions
Word has an AutoCorrect proofing feature that automatically edits certain text entered. AutoCorrect applies mathematical signs to fractions entered with a slash, like 1/2 or 1/4. However, you’ll need to enable the fraction AutoCorrect settings for that feature to work. This is how you can enable automatic formatting for fractions in MS Word:
Now try entering1/2or1/4in Word. The software will automatically format those fractions to ½ and ¼ when you pressSpace. However, auto-formatting only works with a few common fractions.
You can extend the fractions Word automatically converts to symbols from theMath AutoCorrecttab on the AutoCorrect window. Select theUse Math AutoCorrectrules outside of math regionsoption there. Enter a fraction with a slash like1/5in theReplacebox. Input afractionsymbol like⅕in theWithbox.
To do that, you’ll need to copy and paste a fraction’s mathematical symbol from an online source, like a Google search. Then press theAddbutton.
2. Input Fractions With Word’s Symbol Tool
Microsoft Word has a Symbol utility with which you can insert special characters. That tool includes 12 fraction signs you can select to insert into documents. You can input fractions with theSymboltool like this:
3. Input Fractions With Word’s Equation Tool
Word also has an Equation tool that enables you to enter mathematical signs within documents. You can use that tool to insert any fraction you need. So, that’s a utility for inserting uncommon and common fractions. This is how you can input a fraction with the Equation tool:
The Equation tool will convert the fractional value input into a mathematical fraction sign. That fraction sign looks slightly different from the one added with the Symbol tool, as the numerator is more directly above the denominator, with a straight vinculum (line) between them. The fraction will also be slightly bigger when placed in an equation box outside a sentence.
If you found this technique useful, you should also check out these otheradvanced Microsoft Word features to make your life easier.
4. Input Fractions With the Windows Character Map
Windows has a Character Map app with which you can copy and paste fractions into Word documents. That app is similar to Word’s Symbol tool, but also incorporates a search tool that makes it easier to utilize. You can input a fraction into a Word document with a Character Map as follows:
Note that some fonts have more fraction symbols than others in Character Map. For example, Times New Roman has 21 fraction symbols. However, the Sitka Display font only has four.
Enter Mathematical Fraction Symbols in Your Word Documents
You don’t have to spell fractions in your Microsoft Word documents. Instead, insert the fraction signs you need with any of the methods outlined above.
All methods are sufficient for adding common fractions like halves, quarters, and thirds in recipes and financial reports. However, it’s best to utilize the Equation tool to insert more uncommon fractions for mathematical documents.
Use these Alt codes to quickly type special characters on Windows.
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