How to Write Fractions in Google Slides the Simple Way

Standard text boxes in Google Slides often do not display fractions correctly, which can make numbers look uneven, misaligned, or hard to read. This can affect the clarity of your slides, especially when presenting data or mathematical content.

When you know the right methods, adding fractions becomes simple. Fractions can appear clean, professional, and easy to understand, improving the overall readability of your presentation.

In this guide, you will learn how to write fractions in Google Slides using both the built-in method and the Hypatia Create extension, so your slides are organized and visually clear.

How to Make a Fraction in Google Slides

Creating fractions in Google Slides is simpler than it seems. You can show numbers clearly using basic tools. Keep reading to see the steps and tips that make adding fractions easy.

Method 1: Using the Text Box

Find an Empty Text Box: Click on a blank area in your slide. Choose Insert → Text Box if none is available.

Type the Fraction: Enter the numbers with a slash. Example: 1/4. Keep it simple and exact.

Turn it into a Fraction: Press Enter or click away. The number converts automatically into a fraction format.

Method 2: Using Special Characters

Open Your Presentation: Access the Google Slides presentation where you want to add a fraction.

Go to the Insert Menu: Click the Insert tab at the top of your Google Slides screen.

Select Equation: From the dropdown menu, choose Equation. This opens a panel for inserting special characters.

Find the Fractions/Related Section: In the first dropdown, select Numbers. Then, in the second dropdown, choose Fractions/Related.

Choose Your Fraction: A list of pre-set fractions will appear. Pick the one that fits your needs.

Important Note: Fractions added this way are treated as images. You cannot directly edit them. To make changes, you must delete the fraction and insert a new one.

Method 3: Using a Table

Start by creating a new slide. Keep it blank for a clear workspace.

Insert a table by selecting Insert → Table → 1×2. This gives one column and two rows.

Place the numerator in the top cell. Place the denominator in the bottom cell. Keep the numbers aligned for clarity.

Format the text by adjusting the font size. Center both numbers vertically and horizontally. This makes the fraction neat and balanced.

Adjust the table borders as needed. You can remove all borders except a line between the two cells to show the fraction clearly. This line acts as the fraction bar.

The fraction is now ready. The table allows easy changes and flexible formatting for different slides.

Method 4: Using Line

Create a text box on the slide. Type the numerator first, then press Enter and type the denominator. Insert a horizontal line between the two numbers using the line tool. Adjust the line’s color, thickness, and position to match the fraction style. Make sure the line is centered and spans the width of the numbers for a clean look.

Method 5: Using Superscript and Subscript

Create a text box where the fraction will appear. Type the fraction with a slash, such as 1/2.

Select the numerator (the number before the slash). Apply superscript formatting. This raises the numerator above the line.

Next, select the denominator (the number after the slash). Apply subscript formatting. This lowers the denominator below the line.

The result shows a clear fraction with the numerator raised and the denominator lowered. Each part is separate, making the fraction easier to read and more precise.

Using Hypatia Create to Add Fractions and Math Equations in Google Slides

Hypatia Create is a tool that lets you add fractions and other math equations directly into your slides. It offers a wide range of symbols and formatting options. While the equations are inserted as images, the extension gives you the flexibility to place and resize them anywhere on your slide.

Installing Hypatia Create: Start by opening Google Slides. Go to Extensions → Add-ons → Get add-ons. Search for Hypatia, create, and click Install. You may need to authenticate with your Google account. Once installed, the add-on will be ready to use.

Launching the Editor: After installation, open Extensions → Hypatia Create → Launch Editor. A small window appears where you can create your equations. The editor provides a comprehensive set of characters and options for fractions, powers, roots, and more.

Using the Editor: To add a fraction, select the fraction icon. Enter the numerator and denominator in the spaces provided. If needed, add parentheses to group terms correctly. You can also use the toolbar to insert other math symbols and operators. The editor updates the equation in real time so you can see how it looks.

Inserting Equations: Once your equation is ready, click Insert. The equation appears on your slide as an image. You can drag it to the desired position and resize it like any other image. Remember that editing the equation later requires opening the Hypatia Create editor again.

Tips for Formatting: Equations remain as images on your slides. Use resizing to fit them neatly into your content. Group multiple images to keep formulas aligned. This approach keeps your slides clean and ensures your math expressions are readable.

Final Words: 

Adding fractions in Google Slides helps you present numbers clearly and accurately. You can use simple text boxes, tables, lines, or superscript and subscript to make fractions easy to read. Using Hypatia Create lets you insert fully formatted fractions and math equations, giving your slides a clean and professional look. These methods make it easier to show calculations, project data, or any numerical content without clutter or confusion.

FAQs:

1. Can I change the size of fractions after adding them to a slide?

Yes. You can select the fraction and use the text size options to make it bigger or smaller. The whole fraction will scale together.

2. Can I modify how the fraction bar looks?

Not directly. The fraction bar is part of the fraction format, but you can use a line or shape to create a custom bar if needed.

3. Is there a way to format the numerator and denominator separately for emphasis?

Yes. You can highlight either the numerator or the denominator and change its font, color, or size. This works well to make one part stand out.

4. How do I add fractions when working on a presentation from a mobile device?

You can use the “Insert” menu and select “Equation” to type fractions. On some devices, you may need to switch to a symbol or special characters menu.

5. Can I add fractions to the slide master so they show up on every slide?

Yes. Open the slide master and insert the fraction where you want it. It will appear on all slides using that layout.

6. Can I convert fractions to decimals in Google Slides?

Google Slides doesn’t convert fractions automatically. You’ll need to calculate the decimal first and type it manually.

7. Are there keyboard shortcuts for adding fractions in Google Slides?

There aren’t specific shortcuts for fractions. You can use standard fraction symbols from the special characters menu or type them using an equation.

8. Is it possible to change the appearance of the fraction bar?

The default fraction bar can’t be customized much. For a different look, you can create your own using lines or shapes in the slide.