How to Convert a Decimal to a Fraction

Write down the decimal., Convert the decimal to a fraction., Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator of the new fraction., Divide both numbers by the GCF to simplify the fraction.

4 Steps 2 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Write down the decimal.

    If the decimal terminates, then it should end after a one or several points after the decimal.

    Let's say you're working with the terminating decimal .325.

    Write it down.
  2. Step 2: Convert the decimal to a fraction.

    To do this, count how many numbers there are after the decimal point.

    With the number .325, there are three numbers after the decimal point.

    So, put the number "325" over the number 1000, which is really the number 1 with three 0's after it.

    If you were working with the number .3, which is one number after the decimal points, then you could represent it as 3/10.

    You can also say the decimal aloud.

    In this case .325 = "325 thousandths." That sounds like a fraction! Write .325 = 325/1000. , This is how you can simplify the fraction.

    Find the biggest number that divides evenly into both 325 and
    1000.

    In this case, the GCF of both numbers is 25, because that's the largest number that goes evenly into both numbers.

    You don't have to look for the GCF right away.

    You can also use trial and error to simplify the fractions.

    For example, if you're working with two even numbers, keep dividing them by 2 until one of them becomes odd or you can't simplify further.

    If you're working with an even and odd number, try dividing them by
    3.

    If you're working with numbers that end in a 0 or 5, divide them by
    5. , Divide 325 by 25 to get 13 and divide 1000 by 25 to get
    40.

    The simplified fraction is 13/40.

    So, .325 = 13/40.
  3. Step 3: Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator of the new fraction.

  4. Step 4: Divide both numbers by the GCF to simplify the fraction.

Detailed Guide

If the decimal terminates, then it should end after a one or several points after the decimal.

Let's say you're working with the terminating decimal .325.

Write it down.

To do this, count how many numbers there are after the decimal point.

With the number .325, there are three numbers after the decimal point.

So, put the number "325" over the number 1000, which is really the number 1 with three 0's after it.

If you were working with the number .3, which is one number after the decimal points, then you could represent it as 3/10.

You can also say the decimal aloud.

In this case .325 = "325 thousandths." That sounds like a fraction! Write .325 = 325/1000. , This is how you can simplify the fraction.

Find the biggest number that divides evenly into both 325 and
1000.

In this case, the GCF of both numbers is 25, because that's the largest number that goes evenly into both numbers.

You don't have to look for the GCF right away.

You can also use trial and error to simplify the fractions.

For example, if you're working with two even numbers, keep dividing them by 2 until one of them becomes odd or you can't simplify further.

If you're working with an even and odd number, try dividing them by
3.

If you're working with numbers that end in a 0 or 5, divide them by
5. , Divide 325 by 25 to get 13 and divide 1000 by 25 to get
40.

The simplified fraction is 13/40.

So, .325 = 13/40.

About the Author

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Lisa Hall

Creates helpful guides on lifestyle to inspire and educate readers.

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