Symbol Hub
½

½ One Half Symbol

The one-half symbol (½) is the fraction one over two, equal to 0.5.

Also known as: vulgar fraction one half, half symbol, 1/2 symbol.

Codes

Symbol½
UnicodeU+00BD
HTML entity (named)½
HTML entity (decimal)½
HTML entity (hex)½
CSS\00BD
LaTeX\frac{1}{2}
Windows Alt codeAlt + 0189

How to type ½ (One Half Symbol)

WindowsAlt + 0189

Hold Alt and type 0189 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt (Alt + 171 also works).

Mac

Open Character Viewer (Control + Cmd + Space), search “one half”, and double-click ½.

Microsoft Word00BD, Alt + X

Type 00BD then Alt + X — or type 1/2 and let AutoCorrect make ½.

Google Docs

Insert → Special characters, then search “one half” or “vulgar fraction”.

LaTeX\frac{1}{2}

Use \frac{1}{2} in math mode for a stacked fraction.

Usage

  • ½ is the fraction one-half, equal to 0.5.
  • Common in recipes and measurements, e.g. ½ cup or ½ inch.
  • In LaTeX, \frac{1}{2} renders a proper stacked fraction.

Related symbols