How to convert fractions to decimals using long division

Are you ready to learn how to convert a fraction to a decimal?

(Click here to learn how to do the opposite and convert a decimal to a fraction)

Before you learn an easy way to convert a fraction to a decimal (with and without a calculator), you need to understand what decimals and fractions are:

•  A decimal number is used to represent a non-whole number where a decimal point is used followed by digits that represent a value that is smaller than one.

• A fraction represents a part of a whole number. A fraction is a ratio between the upper number (the numerator) and the lower number (the denominator). The numbers are stacked vertically and separated with a bar.

The key takeaway from these definitions is that decimals and fractions are different ways of representing the same thing—a number that is not whole.

How to Convert Fraction to Decimal

You can easily convert a fraction to a decimal by using a few simple strategies:

1.) By Using a Calculator

The easiest way to convert a fraction to a decimal is to divide the numerator (the top of the fraction) by the denominator (the bottom of the fraction) by using a calculator. The resulting answer will be the value of the fraction expressed as a decimal number.

For example, to convert the fraction 7/8 to a decimal using a calculator, simply perform 7 divided by 8 and press enter. The resulting decimal would be 0.875.

Therefore, you can say that 7/8 expressed as a decimal is 0.875

Image Source: Google Calculator

2.) Without a Calculator

How can you convert a fraction to a decimal without a calculator?

The solution is using long division.

For example, if you wanted to convert the fraction 7/8 to a decimal without using a calculator, you would have to use long division where the dividend is 7 and the divisor is 8.

Just like in the last example, by using the long division strategy, you can conclude that 7/8 expressed as a decimal is 0.875

How to Change Fraction to Decimal on Calculator

If you need a fast and easy way to convert a fraction to a decimal, then you can take advantage of the many free online fraction to decimal conversion calculators that are available.

This free decimal to fraction calculator from www.calculatorsoup.com not only performs the conversion, but also shows the calculations (how the long division was performed to get the result), which is a handy tool since it will not only help you find a correct answer, but also understand the process as well.

To use the fraction to decimal calculator, simply input the decimal value and press calculate. This calculator can convert both a fraction and a mixed number to decimal.

Fraction to Decimal Chart

A fraction to decimal chart is a handy tool for making quick conversions.

While there are many free fraction to decimal chart resources available online, I prefer this free fraction to decimal chart from www.sciencemadesimple.net for its readability and simplicity.

Pro tip: Keep a printed copy of your fraction to decimal chart with you while you study and practice math. This strategy will help you to memorize the common conversions (ex. 1/2=0.5 or 1/8=0.125).

Fraction to Decimal Worksheet (with Answers)

Do you need more practice with learning how to convert a fraction to a decimal? The following decimal to fraction worksheet and answer key will give you plenty of opportunities to apply the three step process to converting a decimal to a fraction.

Click here to download your free Fraction to Decimal Worksheet with Answers.

And if you are looking for a more in-depth lesson on how to convert fraction to a decimal, check out this free fraction to decimal video lesson:

By Anthony Persico

Anthony is the content crafter and head educator for YouTube's MashUp Math . You can often find me happily developing animated math lessons to share on my YouTube channel . Or spending way too much time at the gym or playing on my phone.

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