Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Professional Looking Fractions.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 3, 2022)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Excel allows you to easily use formatted fractions in a cell. This is done by using one of the built-in cell formats available in the Number tab of the Format Cells dialog box. Unfortunately, that only results in fractions appearing as two numbers separated by a slash, as in 23/24.
If you want real-looking fractions, where the dividend is actually situated over the divisor, then you are unfortunately limited in what can be done. One option is to use the Equation Editor tool, and another is to locate and use a special font that allows you to position numbers the way you want.
Unfortunately, both approaches result in numbers that can't be used in formulas or calculations. The Equation Editor actually inserts a graphic object, and using special fonts result in numbers being treated as text in the result.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2330) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Professional Looking Fractions.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 2013 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access) with VBA programming, using it for writing macros, automating Office applications, and creating custom applications. Check out Mastering VBA for Office 2013 today!
Excel includes quite a few different formats you can use for the information in a worksheet. One format that isn't as ...
Discover MoreWant some dashes automatically added in values you display in a cell? It may be trickier to develop a custom format than ...
Discover MoreWhen your macro checks the formatting used for a cell, it needs to be careful that the type of formatting being checked ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2024 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here:
Comments