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Entering Integer Fractions

To enter a fraction, type the whole number followed by a space and then the fraction.

You can use the slash character " / " when you enter your fraction.

Excel will automatically format the number as fraction.

Entering Non Integer Fractions

If you want to enter just a fraction with no whole number then just enter a zero followed by a space before entering the fraction.

If you forget to enter a zero when you are entering just a fraction with no whole number it will be formatted as text.

If you forget to enter a space after the zero the number will be formatted as a date.

Displaying Fractions

If you have a decimal number and would like to display it as a fraction, select (Format > Cells)(Number tab) and select the Fraction category.

There are 9 built-in fraction number formats that you can use

For examples of all of these formats, please refer to the Fraction Format page.

You can also use a custom number format to create other Fraction formats.

The custom number format # ??/50 displays a value in 50ths.

The custom number format # ??/16\" displays a value in 16ths with a quotation mark appended at the end.

The custom number format 0 "pounds and "??/100 "pence" combines text and a value expressed in fractional pounds.

Things to Remember

Excel can sometimes interpret your fraction as a date or as text so always check the value afterwards.

To make sure that Excel does not interpret faction as a date, precede the fraction with a zero and a space.