How to type fractions on any keyboard

Precomposed fraction symbols vs plain slashes

Typing a fraction as standard text (such as “1/2” or “3/4”) takes up excessive horizontal space and breaks the visual flow of a sentence. Typographers call dedicated single-glyph fractions like ½ and ¾ vulgar fractions or precomposed fractions.

Unicode provides precomposed characters for the most common fractions. Because each is encoded as a single character, line breaks will never awkwardly split the numerator from the denominator across two lines. For less common fractions (like 5/16 or 7/8), you can construct custom fractions using Unicode superscript digits, subscript digits, and the dedicated fraction slash character (U+2044).

1. Windows Alt codes for common fractions

On Windows desktop computers equipped with a numeric keypad, you can type common fractions instantly using these standard Alt codes:

Note: legacy OEM codes also work without the leading zero (Alt + 171 gives ½, and Alt + 172 gives ¼). For other fractions like ⅓ or ⅔, Windows-1252 lacks slots, so use the copy method or Word AutoCorrect below. Explore our one-half fraction page and one-quarter fraction page for comprehensive data.

2. AutoFormat in Microsoft Word and Google Docs

Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs include built-in fraction replacement features that convert typed digits into typographic fractions as you write:

• Microsoft Word: By default, typing 1/2, 1/4, or 3/4 followed by a space automatically transforms into ½, ¼, or ¾. To configure or expand this list, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type, and ensure “Fractions (1/2) with fraction character (½)” is checked.
• Google Docs: Google Docs provides automatic substitution under Tools > Preferences > Substitutions. You can add your own custom entries, mapping 1/3 to ⅓, 2/3 to ⅔, and 1/8 to ⅛.

3. On Mac and mobile keyboards

On macOS, fractions do not have direct Option key shortcuts. Instead:

• macOS Character Viewer: Press Control + Command + Space, type “fraction” in the search bar, and double-click any fraction to insert it into your document.
• macOS Text Replacements: Open System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacements. Click the + button, enter 1/2 in the Replace column, and paste ½ in the With column. This shortcut automatically syncs to your iPhone and iPad via iCloud.
• Mobile keyboards: On Android Gboard, switch to the numeric layout (?123) and press and hold 1 to see fractions like ½, ⅓, ¼, ⅛. On iPhone, long-pressing numbers does not show fractions natively; use text replacement or copy directly from SymbolHub.

4. Complete fraction symbols to copy

Copy any precomposed fraction character directly from this quick-reference table:

See all fractional notations and math figures in our fraction symbols collection.

5. Building custom fractions with the fraction slash

What if you need a fraction like ⁷⁄₁₆ or ³¹⁄₆₄ that has no precomposed Unicode glyph? Professional typography uses the fraction slash (U+2044, ⁄) combined with superscript and subscript numbers:

1. Type the numerator as a superscript digit (e.g. ⁷).
2. Insert the fraction slash ⁄ (not an ordinary slash /). The fraction slash tells modern OpenType fonts to render custom diagonal fractions cleanly.
3. Type the denominator as a subscript digit (e.g. ₁₆).

The result is a beautifully proportioned custom fraction: ⁷⁄₁₆. Learn how to type raised numbers in our guide on how to type superscript.

6. OpenType diagonal fractions in professional typography

In high-end desktop publishing software such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and advanced OpenType settings in Microsoft Word, you can enable automatic fraction formatting across an entire document. When the OpenType Fractions feature (feature tag frac) is toggled on, the font itself dynamically calculates and redraws any typed numbers separated by a slash (such as 5/32 or 11/64) into perfectly balanced diagonal vulgar fractions.

This ensures typographic consistency across recipe books, architectural blueprints, and engineering specifications without needing to manually copy individual Unicode characters. However, when exporting text to plain text web environments or social media platforms where font features are unsupported, using true Unicode precomposed characters remains the gold standard.