Typing Fractions
Dear Computer Lady,
Please tell me how to make fracions. I am copying my recipes to the computer.
Thanks, Joan
Dear Joan,
The best way to make fractions on your computer is by typing the top number, followed by the division symbol (above the number 8 on your number keypad) and then the bottom number. Using this method, one half would look like this: 1/2 If you are typing a whole number followed by a fraction, leave a space between the whole number and the fraction. One and a half would look like this: 1 1/2 .
Once you have typed your fractions in this manner, if you are using a program that includes subscript formatting (WordPad will work, as will Word or PagePlus) you can highlight the fraction and apply the subscript formatting.
Some fonts include common fractions, but it would depend on the font, and if the recipe was copied in the future, the fraction could be lost.
You can also use a keyboard shortcut for three fractions, 1/2, 1/4, and 3/4 but you are out of luck if you need other fractions.
Here are the keyboard shortcuts for common fractions:
½ = Alt + 0189
¼ = Alt + 0188
¾ = Alt + 0190
Elizabeth
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:21 pm
You can find more fractions in some fonts by using the Character Map. In XP, go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and click on the Character Map. Then select your font from the list, and scroll through it to see all the characters available in that font. In Times New Roman, you can find ¼ ½ ¾ near the top of the list, and ⅓ ⅔ ⅛ ⅜ ⅝ ⅞ way down the list. If you click on a character, it will display it in a larger size, then you can select it and copy it by using the buttons at the bottom, and copy it into your document. You can find a lot of interesting and useful characters in the Character Map!
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:24 am
I find it easier reading a whole number and a fraction if you put a dash between the whole number and fraction. For example, 1-1/2.