How to write fractions in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word it is an increasingly complete program after each new version. Among its many capabilities and functionalities, it also allows the insertion of various symbols, as well as the possibility of making all kinds of numerical representations. For example, it is also possible write fractions in Word, although many of its users do not know how to do it. We will explain it to you.

First of all, we must focus on the issue we are talking about. On mathematics, a fraction (or fractional number) expresses a quantity divided by another quantity. Common fractions are made up of a numerator, a denominator, and a dividing line between the two.

Fractions are used in all kinds of writing, from science and math papers but also financial reports o kitchen Recipes. There are several options to write number fractions in Microsoft Word and achieve a professional result. Let's analyze them one by one:

Write fractions on a single line

This is the easiest way to write fractions in Word. It simply consists of insert the forward slash symbol (/) between the numerator and denominator. That is, between the two numbers that form a fraction. For example, in a kitchen recipe we would see the fraction written as follows: "add 1/4 of a liter of milk to the mixture."

This method is the most used, as it does not require much effort and in most cases it is sufficient. Especially in less formal writing.

However, this formula will be unprofessional in a more serious text such as a working document or an academic text. Certain style guides specify the mandatory use of fraction symbols. In this case, we have to use the predefined fraction symbols from Microsoft Word.

Automatic self-correction

One of the many new capabilities introduced in the latest versions is to automatically format some of the most used fractions (ie: ¼, ½, ¾). For example, if we write 1/2 as in the previous example, the program will take care of transforming these characters into the ½ symbol.

To make Word write the fractions in this way, with a much more aesthetic and professional visual result, it is necessary that we have activated the option of "Default auto format". You can enable or disable this feature as follows:

1. In the "File" tab, we select "Options".
2. There, we choose "Review" and click on "AutoCorrect Options" (or Word> Preferences in Word for Mac).
3. The next tab to select is "AutoFormat".
4. Finally, we check the box for the fractions in the "replace as you type" list (or Creation and correction> AutoCorrect in Word for Mac).
5. Finally, click on "OK" to save the changes in the configuration.

This method is very practical and comfortable. It is the program itself that is responsible for modifying the document as we are writing it. With it, you don't have to waste time modifying the appearance of the fractions.

Access other fraction symbols

Microsoft Word for Windows also has predefined symbols for expressing other fractions (for example, ⅓, ⅔, ⅛, ⅜, ⅝, ⅞). How to access them?

1. In the document, we place the cursor where we want to insert the fraction.
2. Next it is done in the tab "Insert" and we select first "Symbol" and then «More symbols».
3. In the menu that appears we will "Numerical forms".
4. There, in addition to other common mathematical expressions, we select the fraction we want to use and click on "Insert".

For their part, Mac users can access predefined symbols for other fractions by searching for "fraction" in the character viewer menu.

Write fractions in Word with the «Equation» tool

However, the above system has a clear limitation: it only "transforms" the most common fractions, which we have referred to above. This is clearly insufficient when dealing with the writing of a technical text where more complex fractions appear.

Fortunately, Microsoft offers a definitive solution for these cases: the «Equation» tool, which includes an option to create custom fractions. This tool is used as follows:

• Click on the tab "Insert" and, in the panel that appears, to the right of the screen, we select "Equation".
  A new panel opens with several options. The first we find is that of «Insert new equation».
• By clicking on it we can choose between different formats. We select the one we want and on the screen that appears we enter the values ​​of the numerator and denominator.
  
• Once the fraction is defined, press "Enter" and it will be reflected in the document.

The most interesting thing about this tool is that allows you to write almost any type of formula or mathematical expression: not only allows you to write fractions in Word, but also square roots, exponential numbers, integrals, limits and logarithms, matrices, etc. Without a doubt, it is the option that we recommend for professional writing.