Converting Fractions to Decimals (KS2)

D13Fractions to Decimals

Every fraction has a decimal twin.

Convert fractions to decimals with equivalent tenths/hundredths — or by dividing.

The conversions every child should know.

12 = 0.5

14 = 0.25

34 = 0.75

110 = 0.1

710 = 0.7

15 = 0.2

Two routes: make the bottom 10 or 100 — or divide top by bottom.

Learn the 2 Methods

1Route 1: make tenths or hundredths.

Find an equivalent fraction with 10 or 100 on the bottom, then read off the decimal.

25 = 410 = 0.4

2Route 2: divide top by bottom.

A fraction IS a division: 3/4 means 3 ÷ 4.

34 = 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75

3Learn the famous five.

1/2 = 0.5, 1/4 = 0.25, 3/4 = 0.75, 1/10 = 0.1, 1/5 = 0.2 — instant recall saves exam time.

0.5 · 0.25 · 0.75 · 0.1 · 0.2

💡 Key IdeaA fraction bar means divide: a/b is top ÷ bottom. That single idea converts any fraction.

Worked Example

Convert 35 to a decimal — both routes.

Route 1: equivalent tenths

35 = 3 × 25 × 2 = 610

= 0.6

Route 2: divide

3 ÷ 5 = 0.6

30 tenths ÷ 5 = 6 tenths

= 0.6

✓ Both routes agree: 35 = 0.6

Watch Out! Common Mistakes

Writing the digits as the decimal.

14 = 0.14 ✕

Wrong! You can’t just copy the digits. 1/4 = 1 ÷ 4 = 0.25.

Confusing 1/4 with 0.4.

14 = 0.4 ✕

Wrong! 0.4 is 4/10 = 2/5. A quarter is 0.25.

Dividing the wrong way round.

34 = 4 ÷ 3 = 1.33… ✕

Wrong! Top ÷ bottom: 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75. (A proper fraction is always less than 1.)

⬇ Cheat Sheet

FRACTIONS TO DECIMALS

Route 1: make an equivalent fraction with 10 or 100 on the bottom.
Route 2: divide the top by the bottom.
Memorise: 1/2=0.5, 1/4=0.25, 3/4=0.75, 1/10=0.1, 1/5=0.2.
A proper fraction always converts to a decimal less than 1.

Examples: 25 = 0.4 · 35 = 0.6 · 34 = 0.75

📖 Continue Your Journey

✓ D1 What Are Decimals?✓ D2 Place Value in Decimals ✓ D3 Decimals on a Number Line ✓ D4 Comparing Decimals ✓ D5 Ordering Decimals ✓ D6 Rounding Decimals ✓ D7 Adding Decimals ✓ D8 Subtracting Decimals ✓ D9 Multiplying by 10, 100 and 1000 ✓ D10 Dividing by 10, 100 and 1000 ✓ D11 Multiplying Decimals by Whole Numbers ✓ D12 Dividing Decimals by Whole Numbers D13 Fractions to Decimals D14 Decimal Problem Solving

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Next Lesson: D14 Decimal Problem SolvingPut it all together with real problems.

📄 Free printable: Download the Fractions to Decimals cheat sheet (PDF) — keep it by your child's desk.

Quick summary

Route 1: make the denominator 10 or 100, then read the decimal off: 2/5 = 4/10 = 0.4.
Route 2: a fraction means divide — 3/4 = 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75.
Memorise the famous five: 1/2, 1/4, 3/4, 1/10, 1/5.
A proper fraction always gives a decimal below 1 — use that to sense-check.

Frequently asked questions

How do you turn a fraction into a decimal?

Either make an equivalent fraction with 10 or 100 on the bottom (2/5 = 4/10 = 0.4), or divide the numerator by the denominator (3/4 = 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75).

What fraction-decimal facts should children memorise?

1/2 = 0.5, 1/4 = 0.25, 3/4 = 0.75, 1/10 = 0.1 and 1/5 = 0.2. These five unlock most exam questions quickly.

Why isn't 1/4 equal to 0.14?

Because the digits of a fraction can't just be copied into a decimal. 1/4 means 1 divided by 4, which is 0.25.

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D14 Decimal Problem Solving