Decimal to Fraction Calculator – Guide & Formulas
Convert any decimal number to a simplified fraction or mixed number. Shows repeating decimal conversion, terminating decimal conversion, and step-by-step simplification process.
Convert any decimal number to a simplified fraction or mixed number. Supports both terminating and repeating decimals with step-by-step conversion and GCD simplification.
Key Takeaway
Use the free Decimal to Fraction Calculator to convert any decimal number to a simplified fraction or mixed number. shows repeating decimal conversion, terminating decimal conversion, and step-by-step simplification process. Get instant results with step-by-step explanations.
How to Use the Decimal to Fraction Calculator
- Enter a decimal number in the input field (e.g., 0.75 or 0.333...).
- For repeating decimals, check the "Repeating" toggle and enter the repeating digits.
- Click "Convert to Fraction" to see the result.
- Review the step-by-step conversion showing place value, fraction form, and simplification.
- Copy the fraction or mixed number result.
The Formula
Variable Definitions
- d₁d₂...dₙ: The digits after the decimal point
- 10ⁿ: Power of 10 equal to the number of decimal places
- GCD: Greatest Common Divisor — used to simplify the fraction
- LCM: Least Common Multiple — used in repeating decimal conversion
Example: Convert 0.625 to a Fraction
Convert the terminating decimal 0.625 to a simplified fraction.
- Step 1: Write 0.625 as a fraction: 625/1000 (three decimal places → divide by 1000).
- Step 2: Find GCD(625, 1000). Factor: 625 = 5⁴, 1000 = 2³ × 5³. GCD = 5³ = 125.
- Step 3: Divide both by 125: 625÷125 / 1000÷125 = 5/8.
- Step 4: Verify: 5 ÷ 8 = 0.625. The conversion is correct.
- Step 5: The simplified fraction is 5/8.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert a decimal to a fraction?
Write the decimal as a fraction with the appropriate power of 10 as the denominator. For 0.75, write 75/100. Then simplify by dividing both numerator and denominator by their GCD. 75/100 → GCD = 25 → 3/4.
How do you convert a repeating decimal to a fraction?
Let x = the repeating decimal. Multiply x by 10ⁿ where n is the length of the repeating block. Subtract the original equation to eliminate the repeating part. Solve for x. For example, 0.̄3̄: 10x = 3.333... and x = 0.333..., so 9x = 3, x = 1/3.
What is the difference between terminating and repeating decimals?
Terminating decimals have a finite number of digits after the decimal point (e.g., 0.75). Repeating decimals have an infinite pattern of digits that repeats (e.g., 0.333...). Terminating decimals convert directly; repeating decimals require algebraic manipulation.
How do you convert a mixed number to a decimal?
Divide the numerator by the denominator to get the fractional part as a decimal, then add the whole number. For example, 3 1/4: 1 ÷ 4 = 0.25, so 3 1/4 = 3.25.
What is 0.5 as a fraction?
0.5 = 5/10 = 1/2. Since there is one decimal place, place the digit 5 over 10, then simplify by dividing both by 5 to get 1/2.
How do you convert a decimal greater than 1 to a fraction?
Separate the whole number and decimal parts. Convert the decimal part to a fraction, then combine. For example, 2.75: the whole number is 2, and 0.75 = 75/100 = 3/4. So 2.75 = 2 3/4 or 11/4 as an improper fraction.
Can all decimals be converted to fractions?
Terminating and repeating decimals can always be converted to fractions (they are rational numbers). Non-repeating, non-terminating decimals (like π or √2) are irrational and cannot be exactly expressed as fractions, though they can be approximated.
How do you know if a decimal will terminate or repeat?
A fraction in lowest terms terminates if and only if the denominator has no prime factors other than 2 and 5. For example, 1/8 = 0.125 terminates (8 = 2³), while 1/3 = 0.333... repeats (3 is not 2 or 5).
How do you convert 0.999... to a fraction?
0.999... = 1 exactly. Using algebra: let x = 0.999..., then 10x = 9.999..., so 10x - x = 9, 9x = 9, x = 1. This is not an approximation — 0.999... is mathematically equal to 1.
What is the decimal 0.125 as a fraction?
0.125 = 125/1000. GCD(125, 1000) = 125. Simplifying: 125÷125 / 1000÷125 = 1/8. So 0.125 equals 1/8.