Percent to Fraction Calculator
Quick Answer
Write the percentage over 100, then simplify. Example: 75% = 75/100 = 3/4.
How to Convert a Percentage to a Fraction
Converting percentages to fractions is the reverse of the more common fraction-to-percentage conversion. This skill is useful in cooking (recipes often use fractions), woodworking, sewing, and any field where fractions are the standard unit of measurement. The process involves placing the percentage over 100 and simplifying.
The Method
- Write it over 100: Any percentage can be written as a fraction with 100 as the denominator. 60% = 60/100.
- Simplify: Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator, and divide both by it. GCD(60, 100) = 20. So 60/100 = 3/5.
Handling Decimal Percentages
For decimal percentages like 12.5%, first remove the decimal by multiplying both parts by 10 (or 100, etc.): 12.5/100 = 125/1000. Then simplify: GCD(125, 1000) = 125, so 125/1000 = 1/8. For 33.33%, you get 3333/10000 which is close to (but not exactly) 1/3.
Common Percentage-to-Fraction Conversions
| Percentage | Fraction |
|---|---|
| 10% | 1/10 |
| 20% | 1/5 |
| 25% | 1/4 |
| 33.33% | 1/3 |
| 40% | 2/5 |
| 50% | 1/2 |
| 60% | 3/5 |
| 66.67% | 2/3 |
| 75% | 3/4 |
| 80% | 4/5 |
| 87.5% | 7/8 |
| 100% | 1/1 |
Percentages Over 100%
Percentages greater than 100% convert to improper fractions (numerator larger than denominator). 150% = 150/100 = 3/2. As a mixed number, that is 1 1/2. This represents a quantity that is 1.5 times the whole reference amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert a percentage to a fraction?
Write it over 100, then simplify. 75% = 75/100 = 3/4.
What is 33.33% as a fraction?
Approximately 1/3. The repeating 33.333...% equals exactly 1/3.
What is 12.5% as a fraction?
12.5% = 125/1000 = 1/8.
Can percentages over 100% be fractions?
Yes, they become improper fractions. 150% = 3/2. 250% = 5/2.
How do you simplify a fraction?
Find the GCD of numerator and denominator, divide both by it. 60/100: GCD=20, result=3/5.