How to Convert a Fraction to a Decimal and a Percent

To turn a fraction into a decimal, divide the numerator (top) by the denominator (bottom). To turn the decimal into a percent, multiply it by 100. So 3/8 = 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375, and 0.375 × 100 = 37.5%.

Long division, step by step

Here is 3 ÷ 8 worked by hand. Add a decimal point and zeros to the 3, then divide one digit at a time:

30 ÷ 8 = 3, remainder 6
60 ÷ 8 = 7, remainder 4
40 ÷ 8 = 5, remainder 0

Reading the quotient digits gives 0.375. The division stops because the remainder reached 0.

Repeating decimals

Some fractions never stop. 1/3 = 0.333…, 2/11 = 0.1818… and 6/7 = 0.857142857142…, where the block 857142 repeats forever. In long division, the digits start repeating as soon as a remainder appears for the second time.

You can tell in advance which kind you will get. Write the fraction in lowest terms and look at the denominator:

• If its only prime factors are 2 and 5, the decimal terminates. 7/20 = 0.35, because 20 = 2² × 5.
• If it has any other prime factor, the decimal repeats. 5/12 = 0.41666…, because 12 has a factor of 3.

A shortcut for percents

If you can scale the denominator to 100, you can read the percent directly. 7/25 = 28/100, so 7/25 = 28%. For 3/4, multiply top and bottom by 25 to get 75/100 = 75%.

Common fractions as decimals and percents

Tip When a decimal repeats, round only at the end. 6/7 is about 85.71%, but writing 0.86 first and then multiplying gives 86%, which is less accurate.

½Try it: Fraction to Decimal & Percent CalculatorConvert a fraction to a decimal and percent with long division. Repeating digits are markedOpen →

Frequently asked questions