Using the Equation Editor for Fractions

by Allen Wyatt
(last updated December 15, 2014)

1

One way you can put fractions in your document is to use the Equation Editor provided with Word. This tool allows you to create all sorts of mathematical formulae in your document, including fractions. Unfortunately, the Equation Editor is not installed by default, so you may need to run the Word or Office Setup program to make sure it is installed.

To insert a fraction with the Equation Editor, follow these steps:

  1. Choose Object from the Insert menu. Word displays the Object dialog box. (See Figure 1.)

    2. Figure 1. The Object dialog box.

  2. In the Object Type list, choose Microsoft Equation. (There may be a version number as part of the name, such as Microsoft Equation 3.0.) If Microsoft Equation is not available in the Object Type list, then you don't have it installed on your system.
  3. If the dialog box includes a Displays as Icon check box, make sure it is cleared.
  4. Click on OK. An Equation Editor object is inserted, and the Equation toolbar appears.
  5. Click on the Fraction and Radical Templates tool. From the resulting drop-down list, select the template that matches how you want your fraction to appear.
  6. Type the numerator for your faction.
  7. Press Tab and type your denominator.
  8. Click anywhere in your document other than in the Equation Editor object.

Some people don't particularly care to use the Equation Editor, because it adds another level of complexity to working with Word. (It is always helpful to know how to use the menus and templates in the Equation Editor, and that means more learning.) However, when it comes to complex fractions and other mathematical formulae, it is the best tool at hand. (There are third-party tools that allow you even greater control over equations, including Math Type, which is an upgrade to the Equation Editor provided with Word.)

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1804) 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. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Tab Key Jumps a Screen at a Time

Have you ever pressed the Tab key, expecting to move to the next cell in your worksheet, only to have Excel completely ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of Stubborn Icons

Ever tried to clean-up the icons on your toolbar only to have one that won't go away? This tip explores some possible ...

Discover More

Exiting a For ... Next Loop Early

If you use For ... Next loops in your macros, make sure you give a way to jump out of the loop early. That way you can ...

Discover More

Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2013. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word 2013 Step by Step today!

More WordTips (menu)

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

Setting Denominator Depth Spacing in the Equation Editor

How to change the distance between a fraction bar and the baseline of the number below it.

Discover More

Adding an Equation Editor Tool

If you use the Equation Editor a lot in creating your documents, you'll benefit by making sure it is accessible as ...

Discover More
Subscribe

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

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

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}] 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.

What is one more than 7?

2015-03-07 17:33:02

Narelle

I am having difficulty correctly positioning the sub- and super-scripts to be on the bottom and top of the sigmas (summations) as they are supposed to be in a complex formula I need to include in my thesis. (I am not a mathematician, just need to include the formula used in the analysis)
This is the formula:
D_xy=(∑_(i=1)^e▒(G_((ix) )-G_((iy) ) )^2/maxdist)^(1⁄2)/√(N_pair )

The sub and superscripts are correctly positioned until I put in the denominator.
Many thanks in advance if any one can solve this.

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.

Newest Tips
Subscribe

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

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR AUTHORS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2020 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.