4 Super Easy Ways to Write Fractions in Google Docs

Oh no! I’ve got a math assignment to submit to my professor at the end of the day through Google Docs.

The thing is, the homework involves fractions, and I don’t know how I can insert or even create one in Google Docs.

If only I can submit my assignment with a pen and paper, I won’t have to deal with this dilemma.

But, worry not, as writing fractions in Google Docs is as easy-peasy as 1-2-3.

 

How to Write Fractions in Google Docs

First, you can use the Equation function under the Insert tab. You can also click “Special Characters” from the Insert tab. Another way is to activate the Substitutions option. If the substitutions option isn’t activated, use the superscript and subscript formatting instead.

 

Writing Fractions in Google Docs — 4 Methods to Choose from

Writing fractions in a word processing tool like Google Docs can be quite daunting to a newbie user.

So, to start with the process, do put in mind that there are 4 options on how you can write fractions in Google Docs.

 

Method #1: Use of the Equations Function

Step 1: In the Google Docs file you opened, head to the Insert tab on the menu bar and select it. You’ll then see a dropdown menu after clicking it.

Step 2: In the dropdown menu that appears, click the Equation option. This will then activate a toolbar showing the equation functions available.

Step 3: In the Equation toolbar, click the Math operations button (the one showing a fraction, fourth from the New equation box).

Once a dropdown menu appears, select the fraction icon. This icon appears with the letter “a” occupying the numerator part and the letter “b” taking the denominator’s place.

Step 4: After clicking the fraction icon, a text box will then appear with a “-” sitting in the middle of it.

Go ahead and type the numerator. After which, transfer the blinking cursor either by using the arrow keys or directly placing the cursor in the denominator part.

After placing the cursor in the denominator area, type the number accordingly. Then, press Enter to continue typing.

While this is the most straightforward approach, there’s a much simpler method of doing it — granting you activated it early on.

 

Method #2: Activating Substitutions in Preferences

Step 1: Once you’re in the Google Docs file you opened, head to the menu bar and click the Tools button.

Step 2: In the dropdown menu that appears, select the Preferences option.

Step 3: In the Preferences pop-out or dialog window, click the Substitutions tab.

Make sure the Automatic Substitution box is ticked before you search for the fraction in the box below it.

If you see the fraction you’re using inside the box, it’ll automatically be converted to fraction form after you press the Enter key.

Once everything’s set in the Substitutions tab, click “OK.”

Step 4: Now, begin typing the fractions on the page. You’ll then notice that after you key in the fraction and press Enter, the numbers you entered assume the fraction form.

With this method, you can write fractions like how you write words in a sentence without a hitch. 

But, what if the fraction you’re typing isn’t found in the Substitutions box? 

Don’t worry, the third method I’ll show you will solve this problem of yours.

 

Method #3: Using Superscript/Subscript Formatting

Step 1: First, type the fraction on the page. To do this step, encode the numerator first, then the slash (/) icon, followed by the denominator.

Step 2: Next, you’ll need to select the numerator by highlighting it. Just drag the cursor over the numerator for this step.

Step 3: After selecting the numerator, head to “Format” on the menu bar and click it.

Then, in the dropdown menu, select the Text option and search for the Superscript button. 

You can also press “Ctrl/Cmd + .” simultaneously on the keyboard if you prefer using keyboard shortcuts.

After which, the numerator will then convert to the superscript format.

Step 4: Now, select the denominator by dragging the cursor over it until a blue highlight covers it.

Step 5: Then, click “Format” found in the menu bar. This time, though, select the Subscript option instead.

You can also press “Ctrl/Cmd + ,” together on your keyboard. Whichever method you use, this will then convert the denominator into a subscript format.

Is this method quite complicated for you? Well, we have one last method that you can add to your fraction-writing arsenal when using Google Docs.

 

Method #4: Inserting Special Characters

Step 1: In the Google Docs file you’ve opened, head to the menu bar and click the Insert tab.

Step 2: In the dropdown menu that appears, choose the Special Characters option. This move will then make the Special Characters dialog box appear.

Step 3: In the Special Characters window, you’ll see a search bar. Type “fraction” in it.

You’ll then see some fractions in the choices available. If the fraction you’re looking for is in the options given, click on it.

This step will then automatically insert the fraction you chose in the document.

And, just like that, you’ve written fractions in Google Docs like pro users do. 

You definitely can just copy and paste fractions from the web in Google Docs, but you’ll have to painstakingly search for them manually.

So, what method of fraction-writing in Google Docs are you more inclined to use?

 

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Write Fractions in Google Docs

 

Can you write fractions in Google Docs by copying and pasting them from another website?

It’s possible to directly copy and paste fractions in Google Docs from a website. But, you’ll need to change the formatting of the said fraction. Yet, sometimes, you cannot edit the copied fraction as it assumes the formatting used in the source website.

 

What are the keyboard shortcuts for converting my fractions into superscript and subscript format?

When you convert the numerator to superscript formatting, press “Ctrl/Cmd + .” simultaneously. To convert the denominator to subscript formatting, press “Ctrl/Cmd + ,” together.

 

Why aren’t the numbers not automatically changing to fraction format?

It’s probably because the fraction isn’t found in the Substitutions options in the Preferences section. But, it’s also possible that you didn’t tick the Automatic Substitution box before clicking the Ok button.