From a fraction to a decimal
The top number is the numerator; the bottom number is the denominator. To convert 1/5, divide 1 by 5.
1 ÷ 5 = 0.2
The division ends exactly, so the decimal shown is exact.
From a decimal to a percentage
A percentage measures a value out of one hundred. Multiply the decimal by 100 and write a percent sign.
(1 ÷ 5) × 100 = 20%
Conversion at a glance
| Fraction | Decimal | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 1/5 | 0.2 | 20% |
Picture the value
Imagine a whole divided into 5 equal pieces. Taking 1 of those pieces gives you 1/5 of the whole. The shaded portion in the circle above shows this share.
Check your method
Always divide the numerator by the denominator, in that order. To turn a percentage back into a decimal, divide by 100. If you need an exact answer for a repeating value, keep the fraction instead of rounding it.