Decimal to Fraction

Decimals vs. Fractions: The Daily Battle

We live in a decimal world (computers, currency, metric system), but we still work with fractions in the real world (cooking, carpentry, mechanics).

The problem arises when you try to switch between the two. Your calculator might say 0.375, but your tape measure reads in 1/8ths of an inch. Without a quick converter, you are stuck doing mental division.

How to Convert Manually

To turn a decimal into a fraction without a calculator, follow these three steps:

Step 1: Write it as a fraction over 1

Take 0.75. Write it as: 0.75 / 1

Step 2: Multiply by 10 for every decimal place

Since there are two digits after the decimal (.75), multiply top and bottom by 100.

75 / 100

Step 3: Simplify (Reduce)

Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD). Both 75 and 100 can be divided by 25.

• 75 ÷ 25 = 3
• 100 ÷ 25 = 4

Result: 3/4

Improper Fractions vs. Mixed Numbers

If your decimal is greater than 1 (e.g., 1.5), you have two ways to write it.

• Improper Fraction: 3/2 (The top number is bigger). Used in Algebra and Calculus.
• Mixed Number: 1 1/2 (A whole number plus a fraction). Used in Construction and Cooking.

Our calculator provides both outputs automatically so you have the right format for your job.

Common Conversions Cheat Sheet

Here are the most common decimals you will encounter in DIY projects and recipes.