Convert proper, improper, or mixed fractions to decimal numbers, and transform decimals into fully simplified fractions. Clear calculation steps included!
Fractions are frequently used in everyday tasks like cooking and carpentry. Use our quick reference sheets to convert between standard measurements, decimal approximations, and metric units.
| Standard Fraction | Decimal Equiv. | Metric (Milliliters) | Common Utility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 tsp | 0.0625 tsp | 0.31 ml | A pinch of spice |
| 1/8 tsp | 0.125 tsp | 0.62 ml | A dash of spice |
| 1/4 tsp | 0.25 tsp | 1.25 ml | Standard baking unit |
| 1/2 tsp | 0.5 tsp | 2.5 ml | Yeast & baking powder |
| 1 tsp | 1.0 tsp | 5.0 ml | Essential teaspoon |
| 1/2 tbsp | 0.5 tbsp | 7.5 ml | Medium cooking volume |
| 1 tbsp | 1.0 tbsp | 15.0 ml | Equal to 3 teaspoons |
| 1/4 cup | 0.25 cup | 60.0 ml | Flour / sugar portion |
| 1/3 cup | 0.333 cup | 80.0 ml | Liquids & grains |
| 1/2 cup | 0.5 cup | 120.0 ml | Butter / liquids |
| 1 cup | 1.0 cup | 240.0 ml | Full cup base |
| Fractional Inch | Decimal Inch | Metric (Millimeters) | Closest Metric Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16" | 0.0625" | 1.5875 mm | ~ 1.5 mm |
| 1/8" | 0.125" | 3.1750 mm | ~ 3.0 mm |
| 3/16" | 0.1875" | 4.7625 mm | ~ 5.0 mm |
| 1/4" | 0.250" | 6.3500 mm | ~ 6.0 mm |
| 5/16" | 0.3125" | 7.9375 mm | ~ 8.0 mm |
| 3/8" | 0.375" | 9.5250 mm | ~ 10.0 mm |
| 7/16" | 0.4375" | 11.1125 mm | ~ 11.0 mm |
| 1/2" | 0.500" | 12.7000 mm | ~ 13.0 mm |
| 5/8" | 0.625" | 15.8750 mm | ~ 16.0 mm |
| 3/4" | 0.750" | 19.0500 mm | ~ 19.0 mm |
| 7/8" | 0.875" | 22.2250 mm | ~ 22.0 mm |
| Fraction | Decimal (Approximate) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 0.5 | 50% |
| 1/3 | 0.3333... (0.3̄) | 33.33% |
| 1/4 | 0.25 | 25% |
| 1/5 | 0.2 | 20% |
| 1/8 | 0.125 | 12.5% |
| 2/3 | 0.6666... (0.6̄) | 66.67% |
| 3/4 | 0.75 | 75% |
| 5/8 | 0.625 | 62.5% |
| 7/8 | 0.875 | 87.5% |
| 1/16 | 0.0625 | 6.25% |
Fractions and decimals are simply different representations of division. To perform this conversion manually:
For mixed numbers (like 4 1/2), convert the fractional portion first: 1 ÷ 2 = 0.5, then add the whole number: 4 + 0.5 = 4.5.
Converting a decimal to a simplified fraction is done in 3 main steps:
0.45 / 1).45 / 100).9 / 20).In basic algebra and arithmetic, a fraction represents a part of a whole. It is comprised of a numerator on top, and a non-zero denominator on the bottom. The conversion between fractions and decimals is a fundamental mathematical concept utilized across science, engineering, software programming, financial budgeting, and cooking recipes.
The numerator is smaller than the denominator (e.g., 3/4). Proper fractions represent values strictly between 0 and 1.
The numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator (e.g., 7/4). These fractions represent values greater than or equal to 1.
A combination of a whole number and a proper fraction (e.g., 1 3/4). They can easily be converted to improper format before calculation.
Not all divisions result in clean, terminating decimal representations. Terminating decimals stop after a finite amount of numbers (like 1/4 = 0.25). On the other hand, repeating decimals feature a sequence of digits that repeats infinitely (such as 1/3 = 0.3333... or 1/7 = 0.142857142857...). Our converter automatically identifies repeating sequences and lists the pattern inside parentheses for your mathematical study.
Long before decimals were popularized, ancient civilizations relied entirely on fractions. The Ancient Egyptians used unit fractions (fractions with a numerator of 1, like 1/2, 1/3, 1/4) to express ratios. The Babylonians in Mesopotamia utilized a base-60 sexagesimal fractional system, which is the reason we still divide an hour into 60 minutes and a circle into 360 degrees.
The decimal system, based on multiples of ten, was advanced by Indian and Islamic mathematicians and popularized in Europe during the late Renaissance by figures like Simon Stevin. While decimals are preferred today for digital calculation and standard metric systems, fractions remain vital because they offer absolute precision. For example, 1/3 is perfectly exact, whereas its decimal equivalent (0.3333...) is always an approximation, no matter how many decimal places are added.