How to Convert a Fraction to a Percentage
Converting a fraction to a percentage is simple: divide the numerator (top number) by the denominator (bottom number), then multiply by 100. Fractions and percentages are both ways of expressing parts of a whole, so converting between them is one of the most fundamental math operations.
- 1Divide numerator by denominator: 3 / 4 = 0.75
- 2Multiply by 100: 0.75 x 100 = 75%
- 3So 3/4 = 0.75 = 75%
Common Fraction to Percentage Conversion Table
| Fraction | Decimal | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 0.5 | 50% |
| 1/3 | 0.333... | 33.33% |
| 2/3 | 0.666... | 66.67% |
| 1/4 | 0.25 | 25% |
| 3/4 | 0.75 | 75% |
| 1/5 | 0.2 | 20% |
| 2/5 | 0.4 | 40% |
| 3/5 | 0.6 | 60% |
| 4/5 | 0.8 | 80% |
| 1/6 | 0.1667 | 16.67% |
| 5/6 | 0.8333 | 83.33% |
| 1/8 | 0.125 | 12.5% |
| 3/8 | 0.375 | 37.5% |
| 5/8 | 0.625 | 62.5% |
| 7/8 | 0.875 | 87.5% |
| 1/10 | 0.1 | 10% |
| 1/12 | 0.0833 | 8.33% |
| 1/16 | 0.0625 | 6.25% |
| 1/20 | 0.05 | 5% |
| 1/100 | 0.01 | 1% |
Fractions with Repeating Decimals
Some fractions produce repeating decimals when divided. For example, 1/3 = 0.33333... (repeating), which equals 33.33...% or approximately 33.33%. Similarly, 1/6 = 0.16666... = 16.67%, and 1/7 = 0.142857142857... = 14.29%. When a denominator has prime factors other than 2 and 5, the decimal will repeat. For practical purposes, rounding to 2 decimal places is sufficient.
Real-World Applications
- Test scores: Getting 45 out of 60 questions right = 45/60 = 75%
- Sports statistics: A batter with 3 hits in 10 at-bats = 3/10 = 30% batting average (.300)
- Cooking: Using 2 cups out of a 5-cup bag = 2/5 = 40% used
- Financial: Paying $1,500 of a $5,000 debt = 1500/5000 = 30% paid off
- Discounts: A sale price of $60 on an $80 item = savings of 20/80 = 25% off
For simple fractions, memorize the key conversions: 1/2 = 50%, 1/4 = 25%, 3/4 = 75%, 1/5 = 20%, 1/3 = 33.3%, 2/3 = 66.7%, 1/8 = 12.5%. You can build any other fraction from these. For example, 5/8 = 1/2 + 1/8 = 50% + 12.5% = 62.5%.