Setting Fraction Bar Overhang Spacing in the Equation Editor

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 18, 2019)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003

When using the Equation Editor, you can control the spacing used between the ends of a formula and the ends of a division line. Since there are two parts to this type of equation (the numerator and the denominator), the Equation Editor calculates the overhang from the ending points of the widest part of the equation. You can specify a fraction bar overhang using these steps:

Choose Spacing from the Format menu. The Equation Editor displays the Spacing dialog box.
Click on the Fraction bar overhang box (you will need to scroll down some in the list of spacing settings). The Equation Editor changes the Spacing dialog box. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The Spacing dialog box.

Enter a fraction bar overhang spacing value in points.
Click on OK.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (938) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. Learn more about Allen...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Moving Files or Folders

A common operation within Windows is to move files and folders from one location to another. Here are the two major ways ...

Discover More

Quickly Updating Values

If you need to update a bunch of values in a worksheet by a standard amount, you can use the Paste Special feature of ...

Discover More

Extracting File Names from a Path

If you have a full path designation for the location of a file on your hard drive, you may want a way for Excel to pull ...

Discover More

Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!

More WordTips (menu)

Choosing a Character Size in the Equation Editor

The Equation Editor is a handy tool, particularly for those who must include mathematical equations in their documents. ...

Discover More

Setting Gap Spacing in the Equation Editor

The Equation Editor is a great tool that allows you to add equations to your document. You have quite a bit of control ...

Discover More

Entering a Measurement in the Equation Editor

The Equation Editor is a handy tool, particularly for those who must include mathematical equations in their documents. ...

Discover More

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

Notify me about new comments ONLY FOR THIS TIP

Notify me about new comments ANYWHERE ON THIS SITE

Hide my email address

What is four less than 4?

2022-12-16 12:32:40

Ehsan

Dear Allen,

I hope that you are doing well.
I am wondering if there is a way to adjust the spacing between the numerator and the fraction bar in math formula in Word? Everything is fine when the numerator and denominator are both integers (Fig 1). However, if the numerator and denominator themselves are fractions, then they appear a bit too close to the main fraction bar (Fig 2). I am wondering if it is possible to adjust this spacing and make it look like Fig 1? Many thanks in advance and look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Ehsan

(see Figure 1 below) (see Figure 2 below)

Figure 1. Fig 2

Figure 2. Fig 1

This Site

Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.