Instant answers for any percentage problem: find the percent, the part, or the whole in one click.
Divide the top number (numerator) by the bottom number (denominator). The result is the decimal. For example, 3/4 = 3 divided by 4 = 0.75, and 5/8 = 5 divided by 8 = 0.625.
1. Write the numerator inside a long division bracket.
2. Divide by the denominator, adding a decimal point and zeros as needed.
3. Continue until the division terminates or a repeating pattern appears.
| Fraction | Decimal | Fraction | Decimal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 0.5 | 3/8 | 0.375 |
| 1/4 | 0.25 | 5/8 | 0.625 |
| 3/4 | 0.75 | 7/8 | 0.875 |
| 1/3 | 0.333... | 1/5 | 0.2 |
| 2/3 | 0.666... | 2/5 | 0.4 |
Some fractions never terminate. 1/3 = 0.3333... and 1/7 = 0.142857142857... In practice, two or three decimal places is enough for any normal calculation. In math notation, a bar over the digits shows the repeating part: 0.3 with a bar = 0.3333...
For a terminating decimal, write the digits over 10, 100, or 1000 (matching the number of decimal places), then simplify. 0.75 = 75/100 = 3/4. For a repeating decimal the process is more involved. The Fraction Calculator handles the conversion both ways. See also how to calculate percentage to go further with fractions.
For a mixed fraction like 2 and 3/4, convert the fractional part (3/4 = 0.75) and add the whole number: 2 + 0.75 = 2.75.
Instant answers for any percentage problem: find the percent, the part, or the whole in one click.
3/4 = 0.75. Divide 3 by 4: 3.00 / 4 = 0.75.
5/8 = 0.625. Divide 5 by 8: 5.000 / 8 = 0.625.
Write the decimal digits over 1 followed by as many zeros as there are decimal places, then simplify. 0.25 = 25/100 = 1/4. 0.375 = 375/1000 = 3/8.
Divide 3 by 8. 3.000 divided by 8 = 0.375.

Editor at Encore Editorial, Chris Terry is responsible for editorial standards and for turning dense topics into plain English. He has written extensively on business finance and consumer markets.