Convert Fraction to Decimal

Type your fraction and see the decimal right away. Keep reading to learn four easy methods you can use by hand, no calculator needed.

What Is a Fraction and a Decimal?

A fraction and a decimal are two simple ways to show the same value. You will see them in daily life, like in cooking, measurements, prices, and school math.

What is a fraction?

A fraction shows a part of a whole. It is written with two numbers, like 1/2 or 3/4.

• The top number is the numerator. It tells how many parts you have.
• The bottom number is the denominator. It tells how many equal parts make one whole.

Example:

If a pizza is cut into 4 equal slices and you eat 3 slices, that is 3/4 of the pizza.

Fractions can also be:

• Proper (top number is smaller): 3/5
• Improper (top number is bigger): 7/4
• Mixed number (a whole number and a fraction): 1 3/4

What is a decimal?

• A decimal is another way to write a number using a dot (.). You may see decimals like 0.5, 0.75, or 2.25. Decimals are helpful because they make it easy to compare numbers and do quick calculations.

Examples

• 0.5 is the same as one half
• 2.25 means 2 whole units and a quarter more 3

How fractions turn into decimals

A fraction is just division written in a simple form. The line in a fraction tells you to divide the top number by the bottom number.

Quick rule

To get a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator.

Examples

• 1/2 = 1 ÷ 2 = 0.5
• 3/4 = 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75
• 7/4 = 7 ÷ 4 = 1.75

Why it helps

Fractions are common in recipes and measurements. Decimals are used more in prices, spreadsheets, and calculators. When you can switch between them, you understand numbers faster and make fewer errors.

How to Convert a Fraction to a Decimal

You can write the same number in different ways, such as a fraction, a decimal, or a percent. Sometimes you need to switch formats to make the number easier to use or compare.

There are a few simple ways to change a fraction into a decimal. Let’s start with the quickest one.

Convert a Fraction to a Decimal with a Calculator

A fraction is really just division.

• The numerator is the top number.
• The denominator is the bottom number.

Formula:

Decimal = numerator ÷ denominator

That means you divide the top number by the bottom number to get the decimal.

Example: Convert 1/8 to a decimal

1 ÷ 8 = 0.125

So, 1/8 = 0.125.

Convert a Fraction to a Decimal with Long Division

Long division is a great method when you want to convert a fraction to a decimal by hand. It works the same way as normal division—just written step by step.

Pick the numbers

The numerator (top number) is the number you divide (dividend).

The denominator (bottom number) is the number you divide by (divisor).

Set up long division

Write it like a division problem: numerator ÷ denominator.

If the top number is smaller than the bottom number, add a decimal point and then add zeros (as needed) to keep dividing.

Divide to get the decimal

Now divide just like you normally would. Each step gives you the next digit of the decimal.

Tip: If you want to double-check your work, a long division calculator can show the steps and the final decimal result.

Convert a Fraction to a Decimal by Simplifying First

Another easy way to turn a fraction into a decimal is to change it into a fraction out of 100. It works well because decimals are based on tens, and 100 is a power of 10.

Turn the denominator into 100

Find the number you must multiply the denominator by to reach 100.

Multiplier = 100 ÷ denominator

Then multiply both the numerator and denominator by that same multiplier.

Write it as a decimal

Once your fraction is out of 100, you can write it as a decimal by moving the decimal point two places left (because 100 has two zeros).

Example: Convert 1/16 to a decimal

Find the multiplier

100 ÷ 16 = 6.25

Multiply the numerator and denominator

Numerator: 1 × 6.25 = 6.25

Denominator: 16 × 6.25 = 100

So:

1/16 = 6.25/100

Step 3: Move the decimal two places left

6.25/100 = 0.0625

Final answer: 1/16 = 0.0625

Note: This method is best when the denominator can reach 10, 100, 1000, and so on without messy numbers. Otherwise, division is usually faster.

Use a Fraction to Decimal Chart

If you want a quick answer, a fraction to decimal chart can help. Instead of doing division, you can match your fraction with its decimal value in a table. This is useful for common fractions you see in cooking, measurements, and everyday math.

Below is a fraction to decimal chart with popular fractions and their decimal equivalents (up to a denominator of 20). Use it as a fast reference when you need a decimal right away.

Fraction to Decimal Chart

Fraction	Decimal
1/2	0.5
1/3	0.3333
2/3	0.6667
1/4	0.25
3/4	0.75
1/5	0.2
2/5	0.4
3/5	0.6
4/5	0.8

How to Convert a Mixed Fraction to a Decimal

A mixed fraction (also called a mixed number) has a whole number and a fraction together, like 1 3/4.

The easiest way to convert it to a decimal is to turn it into an improper fraction first. After that, you can convert it using division or any method you already learned above.

Change the mixed fraction into an improper fraction

Use this simple rule:

(whole number × denominator) + numerator = new numerator

Keep the same denominator.

Example: Convert 1 3/4 to an improper fraction

1. Multiply the whole number by the denominator:
2. 1 × 4 = 4
3. Add the numerator:
4. 4 + 3 = 7
5. Keep the same denominator:
6. So, 1 3/4 = 7/4

Convert the improper fraction to a decimal

Now divide the numerator by the denominator:

7 ÷ 4 = 1.75

Final answer: 1 3/4 = 1.75

Tip: You can use the same steps for any mixed fraction. Convert it to an improper fraction first, then divide to get the decimal