# How to type fractions in Google Docs

Fractions are mathematical operations that you might sometimes need in your Google Docs. You’d want them to look like actual fractions as we write on paper instead of two numbers separated by a slash. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to type fractions in Google Docs.

## 5 methods to type fractions in Google Docs

• Using the Substitutions from Preferences
• Using the Superscript and Subscript formatting
• Using the Equations option
• Using an external website
• Using the Auto-LaTeX Equations add-on

## Method 1: Using the Substitutions from Preferences

This is one of the easiest methods to type fractions. You can use this if you have to type in repeated fractions. In this method, Google Docs automatically formats fractions for you.

### Step 1: Go to Preferences.

In the main menu bar, click on the Tools option. This would open a drop-down and you can find Preferences at the bottom. Tap on it.

### Step 2: Check for the fraction in the Substitutions tab.

After you select the Preferences option, it will open a dialog box. Go to the Substitutions tab and check for your fraction. If your fraction is present, it will automatically be converted into a fraction. Tap on the OK button.

### Step 3: Type in the fraction.

You can type in the numbers using a slash as shown below.

Google Docs will automatically convert it to a fraction. The green dotted underlining indicates that it has been autocorrected.

## Method 2: Using the Superscript and Subscript formatting

This one is a little complicated as it requires you to manually convert fractions. Here, you convert the numerator to a superscript and the denominator to a subscript.

### Step 1: Type the fraction out.

Type the numerator and denominator separated by a slash as shown below.

### Step 2: Select the numerator and convert it to a superscript.

Highlight the numerator in your fraction.

Now, click the Format option from the main menu bar. Select Text, which will open a drop-down. Find Superscript and click on it. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+.

This will convert the numerator to a superscript.

### Step 3: Select the denominator and convert it to a subscript.

Highlight the denominator in your fraction.

Now, click the Format option from the main menu bar. Select Text, which will open a drop-down. Find Subscript and click on it. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+,

This will convert the denominator to a subscript.

## Method 3: Using the Equations option

This is one of the easiest ways to type fractions in Google Docs.

### Step 1: Create a new equation.

Click Insert from the main menu bar. Tap on Equation to create a new equation.

### Step 2: Select the Fraction option to create a fraction equation box.

When you select Equation. You can see five options. They are Greek letters, Miscellaneous operations, Relations, Math operations, and Arrows. You need to select Math operations and tap on the fraction option.

### Step 3: Type the numbers in the equation box.

After you select the fraction option, Google Docs will create an equation box for you.

You can type in the numerator and denominator there.

## Method 4: Using an external website.

In this method, you use an image the external website creates for you.

### Step 1: Go to the Latex website and click the fraction option.

Click here to go to the Latex website.

### Step 2: Enter the numerator and denominator.

Clicking the fraction option will generate a code with two curly brackets. Enter the numerator in the first one and the denominator in the second one.

### Step 3: Copy the image.

As you type, the image will be generated. You can right-click on it and copy the image.

### Step 4: Paste the image in your Google Doc.

You can right-click and tap on the Paste option to paste the image. Alternatively, you can also press Ctrl+V.

## Method 5: Using the Auto-LaTeX Equations add-on

This method requires you to install an add-on.

### Step 1: Click Get add-ons.

In the main menu bar, click Add-ons. This will open a drop-down. Tap on Get add-ons.

### Step 2: Install the add-on.

Clicking Get add-ons will open a dialog box. Search for LaTeX in the search box. Find the Auto-LaTeX Equations add-on.

Now, click on the blue Install button to install the add-on.

Choose your Google account and click Allow if it prompts you for permission. On successful installation, you can see a message as below.

Click Next to complete the additional setup.

Click Done and close the dialog box.

### Step 3: Start the add-on.

In the main menu bar, click on Add-ons. You can see the installed add-on in the drop-down now. Tap on Auto-LaTeX Equations. Select the Start option to start the add-on.

### Step 4: Select the Delimiter style.

Once you start the add-on, you can see a dialog box open at the extreme right of your screen. Tap on Show Advanced Settings.

In the Select Delimiter Style drop-down, select the first option.

### Step 5: Type the fraction in the required format.

Type $$\frac{a}{b}$$, where a is the numerator and b is the denominator. Here, \frac{a}{b} is the formula. There are many such formulas that you can use. All the formulas must be enclosed by the two dollar symbols.

### Step 6: Click Render Equations.

After you enter the formula, keep the cursor at the beginning of it. Tap on the blue Render Equations button.

This would render the equation present into a high-quality image.

## Conclusion

No more scratching your head struggling to type fractions in Google Docs. You now know five unique and easy methods to type a fraction in Google Docs.