Mathematics· 5 min read

Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages: How to Convert Between Them

Fractions, decimals, and percentages are just three ways of showing parts of a whole. Once you can convert between them, a lot of maths gets easier.

Fraction to decimal

Divide the top number by the bottom number. 3/4 = 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75.

Decimal to percentage (and back)

To get a percentage, multiply the decimal by 100 and add a % sign: 0.75 → 75%. To go back, divide by 100: 40% → 0.4.

Percentage to fraction

Put the percentage over 100 and simplify. 25% = 25/100 = 1/4.

Handy ones to memorise

Knowing a few by heart speeds everything up.

  • 1/2 = 0.5 = 50%
  • 1/4 = 0.25 = 25%
  • 1/5 = 0.2 = 20%
  • 1/10 = 0.1 = 10%

Frequently asked questions

How do I turn a fraction into a percentage?

Divide top by bottom to get a decimal, then multiply by 100. 3/4 → 0.75 → 75%.

How do I find a percentage of a number?

Convert the percentage to a decimal and multiply. 20% of 50 = 0.2 × 50 = 10.

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