3 Ways To Type Fractions - WikiHow

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How to Write a Fraction on a Computer (PC, Mac, or Word) Download Article Plus, learn how to copy and paste fractions for digital use Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: August 16, 2025 Fact Checked

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This article was reviewed by Stan Kats and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 868,317 times.

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.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Typing Fractions on a PC

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1. 1 Use the division symbol to type a fraction. 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. 2 Use the auto-formatting feature in Word programs. 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. 3 Use keyboard shortcuts for common fractions. 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+0189
   • 1/4 = Alt+0188
   • 3/4 = Alt+0190
4. 4 Use an equation field in Word programs to type a fraction. 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. 5 Use the superscript and subscript formatting to type fractions in Word programs. 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. 1 Go to “System Settings” in your menu bar. The “System Settings” is where you’ll find all of the settings for your Mac. If you're using an older version of macOS, you'll see "System Preferences" instead. Follow these steps:[6]
   • Choose “Apple Menu” at the top left of the screen (indicated by an apple icon).
   • Select “System Settings" or "System Preferences."
   • 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. 3 Turn on the auto-correct feature in Pages. 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. 1 Find the fraction within the document. 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. 2 Search the internet for the fraction. 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. 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 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 25
• 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 Yes No Not Helpful 46 Helpful 16

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Tips

• 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. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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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

Reviewed by: Stan Kats Professional Technologist This article was reviewed by Stan Kats and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals. This article has been viewed 868,317 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 33 Updated: August 16, 2025 Views: 868,317 Categories: Fractions Article SummaryX

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! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Stan Kats Professional Technologist Click a star to vote Co-authors: 33 Updated: August 16, 2025 Views: 868,317

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