I'm trying to add fractions to Google Sheets document. However, any time I enter 1/12, it's automatically converted to the date 1/12/2017
How can I prevent this from happening?
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2 Answers
Short version: Use the custom number format _# ??/?? for regular fractions, or # ??/?? for mixed fractions.
Add an = sign so the cell contains =1/12. If it doesn't display as the decimal number 0.08333, reset the cell's formatting with Format -> Number -> Automatic.
To make the cell display as a fraction, we can use a custom number format courtesy of math-faq.com. Highlight the cells you want to format and select Format -> Number -> More Formats -> Custom number format.... To format as a fraction, enter the number format _# ??/??.
Bonus Tip: If you want to use mixed fractions, remove the _ and use the number format # ??/??.
answered Apr 18, 2017 at 17:04
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2When typing a fraction directly, such as 3/16, this doesn't work. The fraction is immediately converted to a date, like 3/16/2019 Jun 5, 2019 at 12:55
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Also, note that this won't work for fractions with hundreds in them (e.g.
1/100will instead display as1/99.) For that you'll need something like# ???/???.– Pro QNov 2, 2020 at 8:50
To stop Google Sheets from changing your fractions to the date, simply go to Format>Number>Plain Text
This will change it so that instead of trying to alter the numbers you enter, it will simply leave it alone.
