How to Type One-Half Symbol (½) in Word/Excel and Mac?

The number which is written as two integers separated by the symbol “/” (also known as “divide” or “by”) and expressed as one integer above and one integer below is called a fraction.

Although Mac and Windows keyboards lack the one-half symbol, you can still enter it using alt codes. Use the half alt code to insert it into Word. In Word, type 0189 while pressing the Alt key (Alt+0189). The sign will transform into (½). You’ll need a numeric keyboard to activate this code, or you can activate the numeric keyboard by pressing the Fn and Numlock keys simultaneously.

By pressing Option + 00BD on a Mac, (½) can be added.

Shortcuts and Alt Codes:

Copy and Paste One-Half Fraction:

To insert any special character in windows or mac, copy it from here and paste it where you want it. This method does not require any additional code. The ½ sign from the box below can be copied and pasted wherever you need it.

After copying here, you can save it to your document so you can easily copy it whenever you need it.

4 Ways to Insert or Type One-Half Sign in Word and Excel:

There are several methods to enter (½) in Microsoft Word and Excel, and I’ll go over them all in this blog.

1. Symbol Library.
2. Autocorrect Method.
3. Keyboard Short Keys.
4. Alt Codes.

Step 1: Symbol Library

This method is useful for inserting one-half in both Word and Excel because it is a built-in feature of Microsoft Office. Choose the insert option, then the symbol option. In this area, there are several signs and characters visible on the screen. Locate and insert it. If you can’t find it, enter Unicode 00BD into the character box and click on the insert button.

Insert → Symbol → More symbols.

Find and insert the one-half text. If you can’t find it, type 00BD in the character box.

Step 2: Autocorrect method            

Autocorrect often will correct a letter that you typed incorrectly. You can use this method to convert any letter into a symbol by using Microsoft Word’s autocorrect feature.

In Microsoft Word, select a symbol by clicking the insert button. Locate and select the half letter. Check the box to enable auto-correction. Enter “halfsign” in the Replace box, then click “add” and “save.”

In Microsoft Word, the ” halfsign ” is automatically converted to “½.”

Step 3: Keyboard Short Keys

A shortcut code can be used to place a one-half text if an alt code cannot be used to do so. This code can be entered using either a standard keyboard or a numeric one. You don’t need a numeric keyboard to use this code.

The one half short code is 00BD. Enter 00BD in Word, then press the Alt and X keys. This code will now appear as ½.

Step 2(A): One-Half Alt Code

Using the alternative code, you can insert or type the vulgar fraction in MS Word. Although it is only applicable to numeric keyboards, if your laptop has a NumLock key, you can use it.

The Alt code for a black diamond is 0189. While holding down the Alt key, type 0189 on the numeric keyboard. It will be converted into ½.

Step 4(B):

Here is another half alt code to insert ½. The above method is only applicable to the numeric keyboard but you can use this code on your simple or English keyboard.

Press and hold the key that is located on the right side of the space button and then type 7 from the 2nd row of the keyboard. It will automatically change to ½.

How to Type One-Half on Mac?

You can also insert symbols on a Mac keyboard by pressing shift. You can type “$” by holding down the shift key and 4 at the same time, but there is no ½ symbol on Mac.

• Open the document where you want to type ½.
• Now press and hold Option + 00BD to insert the half sign.

How Make a Half Fraction by using a Character Map?

Microsoft Windows includes a character map that allows you to insert any symbol by copying it.

In the bottom left corner of your screen, type character map.

When you click on it, many symbols appear on the screen. You are not required to look for a half-text sign. Click the advanced view button and type “one half” into the search bar.

Copy the one by selecting it. You can now use it wherever you want.

How to Type One-Half (½) on Android?

In Android, you can’t use alt code or shortcut code to insert any character. Although there are some symbols on the android keypad there is no dedicated key to insert one half.

The half sign can be inserted in android by using copy and paste method. You can copy the sign from here and paste it onto your android device.

There are many keypads available on the google play store for special characters.

How to Make One-Half (½) on an iPhone/iOS?

You cannot insert any character in iPhone using an alt code or shortcut code. Although the iPhone keypad has some symbols, there is no dedicated key to insert one half.

The half sign can be added to iPhone by copying and pasting it. You can copy and paste the sign from this page into your iPhone text app.

Conclusion:

There are several ways to insert the one-half symbol on Microsoft windows and Mac. Keyboard shortcut keys is the common method on both PC and Mac to insert (½).

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Thank you!