How do I enter a fraction in an Excel cell?

Excel can display numbers as fractions — you just need to enter them correctly.

Entering a Simple Fraction

To enter a fraction, start with zero and a space:

0 1/2

Excel displays it as 1/2, storing the value 0.5.

Mixed Numbers

2 3/4

Displays as 2 3/4, value is 2.75.

Fraction Cell Format

1. Enter a decimal number (like 0.25)
2. Ctrl+1 → Format Cells
3. Choose the Fraction category
4. Pick a type: up to one digit (1/4), up to two digits (21/25), etc.

Why Does Excel Show a Date Instead of a Fraction?

If you just type 1/2, Excel thinks it's a date (January 2nd). That's why you need the zero first: 0 1/2.

Fraction as Text

If you need the fraction as literal text (say, in a recipe):

'1/2

The apostrophe at the start tells Excel to treat it as text.