Home / Articles / Fraction to decimal

How to Convert a Fraction to a Decimal

Converting a fraction to a decimal is one division step, though some fractions produce repeating decimals worth knowing by heart.

Chris Terry
By Chris Terry, Editor
Updated June 17, 2026

Try the Percentage Calculator

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.

Step-by-step method

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.

Common fraction-to-decimal reference table

FractionDecimalFractionDecimal
1/20.53/80.375
1/40.255/80.625
3/40.757/80.875
1/30.333...1/50.2
2/30.666...2/50.4

Repeating decimals

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...

Converting back: decimal to fraction

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.

Mixed 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.

Try the Percentage Calculator

Instant answers for any percentage problem: find the percent, the part, or the whole in one click.

Related reading

Good to know

FAQs

What is the decimal form of 3/4?

3/4 = 0.75. Divide 3 by 4: 3.00 / 4 = 0.75.

What is 5/8 as a decimal?

5/8 = 0.625. Divide 5 by 8: 5.000 / 8 = 0.625.

How would I convert a decimal to a fraction?

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.

How do I convert 3/8 into a decimal?

Divide 3 by 8. 3.000 divided by 8 = 0.375.

Chris Terry
About the author
Chris Terry
Editor, Encore Editorial

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.