4 Best Ways to Create a Fraction in Google Docs

Google Docs accommodates text and numbers in different forms, including fractions. However, typing fractions can be challenging. To represent a fraction, you need to include a numerator and denominator separated by a slash. If the format is incorrect, fractions can be misinterpreted. For instance, the fraction ¾ could be written as 3/4, leading to potential confusion.

If you prefer Google Docs over Microsoft Word, it’s wise to learn how to type fractions. There are various methods to write fractions in Google Docs. Here are the best ways to create fractions in Google Docs:

1. Create a Fraction by Setting Automatic Substitutions

If you type 1/2 into Google Docs, it will automatically change to ½. This happens because Google Docs has a default setting that converts certain texts to preferred formats. Other commonly used fractions, such as ¾, ⅝, and ¼, are treated the same way. If you want to add more fractions to the list, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Google Docs in your web browser and open the document you want to edit.

Step 2: On the Google Docs ribbon, click the Tools tab.

Step 3: Select Preferences from the Tools menu to launch the Preferences dialog box.

Step 4: Open Preferences and go to the Substitutions tab.

Step 5: In the Replace column, enter the numbers you want to use (e.g., 5/9, 7/10, 9/11, etc.).

Step 6: Enter the fractions you want to convert in the With column (e.g., stacked fraction, skewed fraction, linear fraction, etc.).

Note that you can find your preferred fraction version online.

Repeat Steps 5 and 6 for all fractions you plan to use in the document and click OK to save your changes.

Step 8: On the Google Docs canvas, type the numbers of the fraction and Google Docs should substitute it with your preferred replacement.

2. Create a Fraction From the Special Characters Menu

Some fractions can be found under special characters in Google Docs. Here’s how you can access them: Step 1: Click the Insert tab on the Google Docs ribbon.

Step 2: Select Special Characters from the context menu. This will open the Insert special characters dialog box.

Step 3: In the search bar, type fraction in the search box.

Step 4: Select your desired fraction to insert into your document.

Step 5: Click the ‘x’ sign to close the Insert special characters dialog box after inserting your preferred fractions.

3. Create a Fraction from the Equations Menu

You can create fractions using the equations menu in Google Docs. Here’s how:

Step 1: On the Google Docs ribbon, click the Insert tab.

Step 2: Select Equation from the context menu. This will reveal a line of tools below the Google Docs ribbon with equations of different categories.

Step 3: Click New equation, select the Math Operations drop-down.

Step 4: Select the fraction icon from the drop-down.

Step 5: On the Word canvas, enter the numerator and denominator for the fraction.

4. Create a Fraction with Superscript and Subscript Functions

Superscript and subscript are characters set above or below the normal line of type. They can be used to represent fractions. Here’s how:

Step 1: Place your cursor on the Google Docs canvas. Step 2: Hold down the following keys on your keyboard to enter superscript mode (Ctrl + .). Alternatively, you can click the Format tab and select the Text drop-down to enable superscript mode.

Step 3: Type your numerator and repeat the superscript shortcut to return to normal text.

Step 4: Tap the forward slash (/) key to create a fraction.

Step 5: Hold down the following keys on your keyboard to enter subscript mode (Control and + and ,). Alternatively, click the Format tab and select the Text drop-down to get subscript mode.

Step 6: Type your denominator and repeat the subscript shortcut to return to normal text.

Fixing Google Docs Not Printing Correctly

If your fractions aren’t printing correctly, there are ways to fix the issue. One option is to convert the Google Docs to PDF, preventing any movement of the numbers. Otherwise, try using a different browser to see if that resolves the problem.