Q. How do I type fractions in Microsoft PowerPoint?

Fractions - (Applies To: Excel 2016, Word 2016, PowerPoint 2016, OneNote 2016, Publisher 2016)  

Some fractions (1/4, 1/2, and 3/4) automatically switch to a fraction character when you type them (¼, ½, ¾). But others do not (1/3, 2/3, 1/5, etc.). 

1. To switch to a fraction character, click Insert > Symbols > More Symbols. 

2. In the Subset drop-down list, click Number Forms and select a fraction. 

3. Click Insert > Close. 

To write a mixed fraction in PowerPoint (like 212221​), you have a few options depending on how precise and polished you want it to look. Here are the most common methods:

Option 1: Use Superscript and Subscript

1. Type the whole number (e.g., 2).
2. Type the numerator (e.g., 1), highlight it, and set it as superscript.
3. Type the slash /.
4. Type the denominator (e.g., 2), highlight it, and set it as subscript.
5. Adjust spacing manually to make it look balanced.

Option 2: Use Equation Editor (Best for Clean Formatting)

1. Go to the Insert tab.
2. Click Equation (or press Alt + =).
3. In the equation box, type the mixed fraction like this:

2\frac{1}{2}

PowerPoint will automatically format it as a proper mixed fraction.

Option 3: Use Unicode Fraction Characters (Limited)

For common fractions like ½, ¼, ¾:

• Type 2 ½ using the Unicode character ½ (Alt + 0189 on Windows).

This method is quick but only works for a few specific fractions.

TIPS:  

• To find additional mathematical symbols, click AutoCorrect at the bottom of the Symbol dialog box. Click the Math AutoCorrect tab to see a list of keyboard shortcuts you can type into your document to insert math symbols. Be sure to select the Replace text as you type check box. Depending on where you are in the document, you may need to select the Use Math AutoCorrect rules outside of math regions option.