Fraction to Percent Calculator
How to Convert a Fraction to a Percentage
Converting a fraction to a percentage is a fundamental math skill used in everything from calculating test scores to determining discounts. A fraction represents a part of a whole, while a percentage represents a part out of 100.
Method 1: The Decimal (Division) Method
This is the most universal approach and the exact logic running behind our calculator above. It works flawlessly for any fraction, no matter how complex the numbers are.
Step 1: Treat the fraction bar as a division sign. Divide the top number (numerator) by the bottom number (denominator) to get a decimal. Step 2: Multiply that decimal by 100 to find the percentage. Step 3: Add the “%” symbol.
The Formula:
Example: Convert 5/8 to a percent
- Divide 5 by 8:
5 ÷ 8 = 0.625 - Multiply by 100:
0.625 × 100 = 62.5 - Result: 62.5%
Method 2: The Proportion (Equivalent Fraction) Method
If the denominator of your fraction can easily be multiplied to reach exactly 100, this method is incredibly fast and can often be done in your head.
Step 1: Figure out what number you need to multiply the denominator by to get 100.
Step 2: Multiply the numerator by that exact same number.
Step 3: The new numerator is your percentage.
Example: Convert 3/20 to a percent
- Determine the multiplier:
100 ÷ 20 = 5. - Multiply both top and bottom by 5.
Common Fraction to Percent Conversions
| 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% |
| 1/8 | 0.125 | 12.5% |
| 1/10 | 0.1 | 10% |
Why Simplify First?
You might notice that our calculator takes the extra step of finding the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) to simplify your fraction before doing the division.
While reducing a fraction like 50/100 down to 1/2 doesn’t change the final percentage (it will always be 50%), it makes the manual division process significantly easier to follow. By simplifying the fraction first, you are dealing with the smallest possible numbers, reducing the chance of arithmetic errors if you are working out the problem on paper alongside the calculator.
Sources: Calculator Soup, Calculator Online, Omni Calculator, RapidTables, Inch Calculator, Mometrix Test Preparation, GigaCalculator, Alcula, BYJU’S.
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