ID: Q137734
The information in this article applies to:
The AutoFormat feature in Word automatically changes the typed number "1/2" to the symbol for 1/2. This feature also changes "1/4" and "3/4" to their appropriate symbols. The "More Information" section of this article explains how you can use the AutoCorrect feature to change typed fractions to their respective symbol characters.
To create an AutoCorrect entry for a fraction, you must create the fraction symbol and then add it to the AutoCorrect list.
Method 1: Use an Equation Field to Create the Fraction:
This method creates a fraction with a horizontal line between the numerator and the denominator.
1. Place the insertion point where you want the fraction to appear.
2. Press CTRL+F9 to insert field braces.
3. Between the field braces, type the following
EQ \F(a,b)
where a and b are the numerator and denominator of the fraction.
For example, if you want to create the fraction 1/8, the field would
look like this
{ EQ \F(1,8)}
Method 2: Use Equation Editor to Create the Fraction:
NOTE: The Equation Editor is NOT installed during a typical installation. If you ran a typical installation, you will need to quit Word and run Setup again to install the Equation Editor, before using this method.
This method creates a fraction with a diagonal line between the numerator and the denominator.
1. Place the insertion point where you want the fraction to appear.
2. On the Insert menu, click Object.
3. In the Object Type list, click Microsoft Equation 2.0 (Microsoft Word
for Windows 95, version 7.0) or Microsoft Equation 3.0 (Word 97), and
then click OK.
5. Click to select the type of fraction you want. To match other symbols in
the document, you probably want the smaller fraction with the diagonal.
Click the second button in the second row.
7. Click outside the equation area to return to Word.
Method 3: Use Superscript and Subscript Formatting to Create the Fraction:
1. Place the insertion point where you want the fraction to appear.
2. Type the numerator and then select it.
3. On the Format menu, click Font.
4. On the Font tab, under Effects, select the Superscript check box, and
then click OK. The numerator is now superscripted.
the fraction.
7. Type the denominator and then select it.
8. On the Format menu, click Font.
9. On the Font tab, under Effects, select the Subscript check box, and then
click OK. The denominator is now subscripted.
1. Click to select the fraction symbol you just created.
2. On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect. Under "Replace text as you type,"
the fraction appears in the With box.
"1/8" (without the quotation marks).
When you type the fraction text in the document, the fraction symbol appears automatically after you press the SPACEBAR.
AutoFormat can only use the symbols available to the normal text font: 1/2, 1/4, and 3/4. To preview these symbols, on the Insert menu click Symbol, and in the Font list, click (Normal Text).
The precise look of the normal text symbols differs slightly from those added using the EQ field or the Equation Editor. Adjustments to font size, character position, and character spacing may be necessary to match the symbols available in the Normal font.
You can also use the AutoText feature in Word to store and use fractions in a document.
For more information about creating and using AutoText entries, click the Office Assistant, type "How do I create an AutoText entry?" (without the quotation marks), click Search, and then click the "Use shortcuts to insert frequently used text and graphics" topic.
NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Word Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
ARTICLE-ID: Q120802
TITLE : Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office
Program or Component
Keywords : kbualink97 kbusage kbfield
Version : 7.0 7.0a 97
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbhowtoLast Reviewed: August 6, 1997