In order to write fractions in PowerPoint, you will need to use the following steps:
- Choose the fraction you want to write. For example, if you want to write a fraction with a numerator and denominator of 1, 2, or 3, then choose 1/3.
- Choose the number of digits you want to show. For example, if you want to show 3/8ths of a dollar as $0.50, then choose .50/.75.
- Type the fraction in front of the number that corresponds to it on your slide (for example, 1/3 in front of 3). The numerator will be at the top and the denominator will be at the bottom.
If you’re giving a presentation for a company or teaching a lesson in a math class, it’s likely you’ll be using fractions in the presentation. PowerPoint provides several different fraction structures, including skewed, stacked, linear, and small. Here’s how to use them.
Different Fraction Structures in PowerPoint
There are a few ways to write fractions in PowerPoint. If you’re happy with the default fraction structure that you get by simply typing in the fraction, that’s great! If you’re discussing more complex equations, it might be worth looking at the other available structures in PowerPoint.
As mentioned before, the default fraction structure that you get by simply typing the fraction in PowerPoint is called a linear structure. Here’s an example of how that looks. In this case, the fraction maintains the current font style and size settings as the rest of the text in your paragraph.
When you use the tool provided by PowerPoint to insert the linear fraction, it reformats it a bit. Here’s an example of how that looks.
As you can see, it looks a bit different than when you type it in directly. The inserted version italicizes the text and uses the Cambria Math font.
PowerPoint also provides several other fraction structures if linear doesn’t work for you. Here’s a list of the different styles:
Stacked Fraction Skewed Fraction Linear Fraction Small Fraction dy over dx cap delta y over cap delta x partial y over partial x delta y over delta x pi Over 2
And here’s a preview of what they look like:
These structures should give you the flexibility to use fractions however they best support your material.
Inserting Fractions in PowerPoint
We’ll leave deciding which fraction structure to use up to you. Whatever you decide, here’s how to find them.
First, head over to the “Insert” tab and click the “Equation” button (the pi symbol).
This open a specialized Design tab in a new tab group named Drawing Tools. You’ll also notice that a new “Type equation here” text box appears on your slide.
On the “Design” tab, click the “Fraction” button.
On the drop-down menu, pick the fraction structure you’d like to use. In this example, we’ll pick “Stacked.”
You’ll now see the fraction structure you selected appear in the slide.
Now all you need to do is insert the numbers into your fraction.
Drawing Your Own Fractions
Another neat feature in PowerPoint is the ability to draw fractions. Back at the “Insert” tab, click the down arrow under the “Equation” button.
The dropdown menu that appears presents several different types of equations. At the very bottom of this menu, click “Ink Equation.”
The “Math Input Control” window now appears, allowing you to draw your equation. If you’re not using a touch-enabled device, you can use your mouse. Let’s try a simple fraction first.
As you can see in the above GIF, we (sloppily) drew 1/3 in the stacked fraction structure. PowerPoint gives you a preview of the fraction in the area above the drawing pad.
Now let’s see what happens when we draw something a little more complex.
Ok, so it’s not the most complex equation you’ve ever seen, but it serves as a good example. Once you’re happy with the equation, go ahead and select “Insert.”
You’ll now see the equation appear in the PowerPoint slide.
Using the drawing tool, you can draw any fraction structure you like. However, keep in mind that it’s a pretty sensitive tool, so it’s easy for it to mistake your drawing for the skewed structure when you wanted the stacked structure instead. Be sure to draw everything as neatly as possible. If you mess up, you can always use the provided erase feature or just clear the equation and start over.
