Free maths tool · Exact answers

Decimal to Fraction Calculator Repeating Decimals, Mixed Numbers, Inches & Step-by-Step

Turn any decimal into a simplified fraction or mixed number, including repeating decimals like 0.333… and percentages. This free decimal to fraction calculator shows every step, converts fractions back to decimals and finds the nearest 1/16 or 1/32 inch for measuring.

  • Handles repeating decimals
  • Step-by-step working
  • Nearest inch fractions

Decimal to fraction calculator

For repeating decimals type 0.(3) or 0.1(6), or 0.333.... Add % for percentages.

As a fraction

2.875 =238

As a mixed number: 2 7/8

Mixed number
2 7/8
Decimal
2.875
Percent
287.5%
Simplified from
2875/1000

Step-by-step working

    Equivalent fractions

    Features

    A decimal to fraction calculator that does it all

    Most converters stop at simple decimals. This one handles repeating decimals, percents, mixed numbers and measurements, and always shows how it got the answer.

    Repeating decimals

    Convert 0.333…, 0.1666… or 0.142857… exactly, using parentheses, a repeat field or trailing dots.

    Every step shown

    See the place-value method or the algebra method for repeating decimals, line by line, ready for homework.

    Nearest inch fraction

    Round any decimal to the nearest 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 or 1/64, see it on a ruler and check the error in millimetres.

    Works in reverse

    Turn fractions and mixed numbers into decimals and percents, with repeating digits marked by a bar.

    Percent to fraction

    Type a value like 12.5% and get 1/8 instantly, along with the decimal and mixed-number forms.

    Exact, even for long inputs

    Big-number arithmetic keeps results exact for long decimals, and continued fractions find the best approximations.

    How to use

    How to use the decimal to fraction calculator

    1. Choose a mode

      Pick decimal to fraction, fraction to decimal, or nearest fraction for measurements.

    2. Type your number

      Enter a decimal, a percent, or a repeating decimal using brackets around the repeating part.

    3. Read the answer

      See the simplified fraction, mixed number, decimal and percent update as you type.

    4. Check the steps

      Follow the working below the result, then copy the answer with one click.

    Learn

    How to convert a decimal to a fraction

    There are two methods, depending on whether the decimal ends or repeats forever.

    Decimal to fraction calculator ruler showing 0.3 inch rounded to the nearest 5/16 inch
    Example: 0.3 inch on a tape measure0.3 × 16 = 4.8, which rounds to 5. So the nearest sixteenth is 5/16 inch (0.3125), only 0.0125 inch or about 0.32 mm away.

    Terminating decimals

    Count the decimal places, write the digits over 10, 100, 1000 and so on, then divide top and bottom by their greatest common divisor.

    0.75 = 75/100 = 3/4

    Repeating decimals

    Call the number x, multiply by a power of 10 to line up the repeating part, and subtract to make it disappear.

    10x − x = 3 → x = 1/3

    Mixed numbers

    Convert the part after the decimal point, then put the whole number in front. 2.875 becomes 2 and 7/8.

    2.875 = 2 7/8 = 23/8

    Percents

    Drop the percent sign and divide by 100 first, then simplify the fraction as usual.

    12.5% = 12.5/100 = 1/8

    Fraction to decimal

    Divide the numerator by the denominator. If a remainder repeats, the digits repeat too.

    3 ÷ 8 = 0.375

    Irrational numbers

    Numbers like π never end or repeat, so they have no exact fraction. Continued fractions give the best approximations.

    π ≈ 22/7 ≈ 355/113
    Chart

    Decimal to fraction chart

    Common decimals and their fraction equivalents, including the sixteenths used on rulers and tape measures.

    DecimalFractionDecimalFractionDecimalFraction
    0.06251/160.56259/160.21/5
    0.1251/80.6255/80.42/5
    0.18753/160.687511/160.63/5
    0.251/40.753/40.84/5
    0.31255/160.812513/160.31/3
    0.3753/80.8757/80.62/3
    0.43757/160.937515/160.161/6
    0.51/20.11/100.835/6
    Who it helps

    Where decimal to fraction conversion matters

    • Students and teachers

      Check homework and see the method for both terminating and repeating decimals.

    • Woodworking and DIY

      Turn digital caliper readings into the nearest 1/16 or 1/32 inch on your tape measure.

    • Cooking and baking

      Convert scaled recipe amounts like 0.375 cup into 3/8 cup for your measuring set.

    • Engineering and machining

      Match decimal drawings to fractional drill bits and stock sizes in seconds.

    • Finance and odds

      Express rates and probabilities as simple fractions that are easier to explain.

    • Programmers

      Find exact rational values behind floating-point numbers and check rounding errors.

    FAQ

    Decimal to fraction FAQ

    How do you convert a decimal to a fraction?

    Count the digits after the decimal point, write the number over 10, 100, 1000 and so on to match, then simplify. For example, 0.75 has two decimal places, so it becomes 75/100, and dividing both by 25 gives 3/4.

    How do you convert a repeating decimal to a fraction?

    Set the number equal to x, multiply by a power of 10 so the repeating part lines up, and subtract to cancel it. For 0.333…, 10x − x = 3, so x = 3/9 = 1/3. For 0.1666…, 100x − 10x = 15, so x = 15/90 = 1/6.

    What is 0.375 as a fraction?

    0.375 equals 375/1000. Dividing top and bottom by 125 gives 3/8, which is also 6/16 on a ruler.

    What is 0.625 as a fraction?

    0.625 equals 625/1000, which simplifies to 5/8 when you divide both numbers by 125.

    How do I write a decimal as a mixed number?

    Keep the whole-number part and convert only the digits after the decimal point. For 2.875, the 0.875 becomes 7/8, so the mixed number is 2 7/8, or 23/8 as an improper fraction.

    How do I convert a decimal to the nearest 1/16 inch?

    Multiply the decimal by 16, round to the nearest whole number, and put it over 16. For 0.3 inch, 0.3 × 16 = 4.8, which rounds to 5, so the nearest sixteenth is 5/16 inch.

    How do I convert a fraction to a decimal?

    Divide the numerator by the denominator. 3/8 is 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375. Some fractions, like 1/3, never end, so the digits repeat forever as 0.333…

    Can every decimal be written as a fraction?

    Every decimal that ends or repeats can be written exactly as a fraction. Decimals that go on forever without repeating, such as pi, are irrational, so they can only be approximated, for example by 22/7 or 355/113.

    Exact fractions, every time

    Use the decimal to fraction calculator for homework, recipes or the workshop, and see the working behind every answer. For more maths help, explore our free online tools.

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