Alt Codes & Keyboard Shortcuts
One-Half Fraction
A single character for one half, rather than two digits and a slash.
½
- Windows
- Alt + 0189
- Mac
- Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space)
- Unicode
- U+00BD
Try One-Half Fraction
Edit the text, then change the font and size.
About this entry
What it is
A single character for one half, rather than two digits and a slash.
Recipes, measurements and anywhere 1/2 would wrap awkwardly.
Copy & use
How to copy and use one-half fraction
- 01
Copy the complete value
Use the copy button above so the value is captured without its label, description or surrounding page text.
- 02
Paste it where you need it
Recipes, measurements and anywhere 1/2 would wrap awkwardly.
- 03
Check the final result
Windows Alt codes may require a numeric keypad and Num Lock. Laptop keyboards, browser fields and regional layouts can behave differently, so copying is the dependable fallback.
What it is for
When to reach for ½
A precomposed fraction that keeps the line height even, unlike 1/2 which sits awkwardly among surrounding text.
Getting the shortcut to work
There is no default Option chord for this on macOS — use the Character Viewer or the copy button. The Windows code needs the numeric keypad with Num Lock on — the number row above the letters will not work. On a laptop without a keypad, use the copy button above or Windows Character Map.
Easily confused
Characters that look like ½
These are separate characters. They may look almost identical on screen, but they sort, search and compare differently.
Typed fraction
Three characters that can break across a line. Search engines and screen readers handle it more predictably, though.
Common questions
Using one-half fraction
What is one-half fraction?
A single character for one half, rather than two digits and a slash. Recipes, measurements and anywhere 1/2 would wrap awkwardly.
How do I type One-Half Fraction without copying it?
On Windows: Alt + 0189. On macOS: Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space). Windows Alt codes need the numeric keypad with Num Lock on, so laptops without one are usually quicker to serve by the copy button above.
Will one-half fraction work everywhere?
Windows Alt codes may require a numeric keypad and Num Lock. Laptop keyboards, browser fields and regional layouts can behave differently, so copying is the dependable fallback.
Can I customise one-half fraction after copying?
You can add a short label, repeat compatible symbols or trim the design to fit. Keep important spaces, line breaks and uncommon Unicode characters intact while editing.
Also known as
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