< Fractions Worksheets

Converting Fractions to Decimals Worksheets

Converting fractions to decimals can be the first math concept that really gives students trouble – thus dwindling their love for the subject. Because of that, we’ve created a chart and printable instructions, which you can find below. Beyond that, you’ll find Converting Fractions to Decimals Worksheets, which offer a variety of difficulty.

Remember, fractions and decimals are just two different ways to explain the same part of a whole. We can convert fractions to decimals (and back again) for this reason.

Converting fractions to decimals allows us to express fractions in a different form, making it easier to compare numbers. With practice, students can develop their ability in this skill and build their confidence in math.

How to Convert Fractions to Decimals

How do you convert fractions to decimals?

There are many ways to convert a decimal to a fraction, but they depend on the fraction. There is only one way that will work for every fraction you encounter, so we’ll focus on that here.

A fraction is really just a division problem. 1/4 means one divided by 4, and that makes sense when you think of a pie, right? When you take one whole pie and divide it into four equal parts, each part is equal to 1/4.
To convert a fraction into a decimal, you just take the numerator (the top number) and divide it by the denominator (the bottom number).
- Example: Convert 3/8 into a decimal.

$How to convert a fraction to a decimal$

Can all fractions be converted to decimals?

This is a bit of a loaded question. Yes, all fractions can be converted into decimals, but that doesn’t mean all fractions can be converted into nice decimals. In the example above we saw that 3/8 written as a decimal is 0.375. That’s a nice decimal. It’s short and sweet, and it ends. Do you know what 1/3 written as a decimal is? It’s 0.33333, and the 3s continue repeating forever and ever. And ever!

When you try to write a fraction like 1/3 as a decimal it doesn’t quite work. However, we have a workaround. Write 0.3, and put a little horizontal bar above the 3. That tells everyone that the 3 repeats forever.

How do you convert mixed numbers to decimals?

To convert a mixed number to a decimal just add one step to the process above.

Divide the fraction part of your mixed number like normal.
When you get your answer, add the whole number part of your mixed number to the front of your decimal.

Example: Convert 5 3/8 into a decimal.

When we turn 3/8 into a division problem we get an answer of 0.375 (See above)
The whole number in our mixed number is 5. Attach that to the front of the decimal from Step 1 to get 5.375

- 5 3/8 = 5.375

Converting Fractions to Decimals Introduction Worksheets (Printable PDFs)

In this section, you’ll find converting fractions to decimals worksheets along with a fractions to decimals chart AND a printable instruction sheet. If your student is struggling with this concept, be patient and give them as much practice as you can. All worksheets include answer keys!