1/2 as a decimal
Divide 1 by 2, or make the bottom 10: 1/2 = 5/10 = 0.5.
The answer
1/2 = 0.5
How to turn 1/2 into a decimal
The quick way is to make an equivalent fraction with a bottom of 10, because tenths can be written straight down as a decimal.
- 2 × 5 = 10.
- Do the same to the top: 1 × 5 = 5.
- So 1/2 = 5/10, which is 5 tenths.
5 tenths is written 0.5: the last digit goes in the tenths column.
You can also divide the top by the bottom. Short division gives the same answer:
- 2 does not go into 1, so write 0 and a decimal point, then carry the 1 over as 10 tenths.
- 2 goes into 10 5 times exactly. Write 5.
- The remainder is 0, so the division stops: 1 ÷ 2 = 0.5.
1/2 as a fraction, decimal and percentage
| Fraction | Decimal | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 0.5 | 50% |
Multiply the top and bottom by the same number and the fraction keeps its value: 1/2, 2/4, 3/6, 4/8 and 5/10 are all equal.
Looking for 2/4, 3/6, 4/8, 5/10 and 6/12? They are the same as 1/2, so they all give the same decimal and percentage.
All the halves
A half is 5 tenths, 50 hundredths or 500 thousandths. However you cut it, it is 0.5, and 50%.
1/2 is one of the fractions worth knowing by heart.
Shade 1/2 on a fraction wall
The wall opens with 1/2 shaded in the halves row. Look straight down: the shading ends in exactly the same place in 2/4, 3/6, 4/8 and 5/10, so they are equal to 1/2. Tap other pieces to try more fractions.
A fraction wall from halves to tenths, opening on 1/2.
Keep going
Questions parents ask
What is 1/2 as a decimal?
1/2 = 0.5.
Is 1/2 a recurring decimal?
No. 2 × 5 = 10, so 1/2 is exactly 5/10 and the decimal stops at 0.5.
What is 1/2 as a percentage?
1/2 = 50%.
Which fractions are the same as 1/2?
2/4, 3/6, 4/8, 5/10 and every other fraction you make by multiplying the top and bottom of 1/2 by the same number. They all equal 0.5.
Fractions, decimals and percentages run all through 11+ maths
Converting between them turns up in 11+ questions on percentages, ratio, money and data. The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.