3/5 as a decimal
Divide 3 by 5, or make the bottom 10: 3/5 = 6/10 = 0.6.
The answer
3/5 = 0.6
How to turn 3/5 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.
- 5 × 2 = 10.
- Do the same to the top: 3 × 2 = 6.
- So 3/5 = 6/10, which is 6 tenths.
6 tenths is written 0.6: the last digit goes in the tenths column.
You can also divide the top by the bottom. Short division gives the same answer:
- 5 does not go into 3, so write 0 and a decimal point, then carry the 3 over as 30 tenths.
- 5 goes into 30 6 times exactly. Write 6.
- The remainder is 0, so the division stops: 3 ÷ 5 = 0.6.
3/5 as a fraction, decimal and percentage
| Fraction | Decimal | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 3/5 | 0.6 | 60% |
Multiply the top and bottom by the same number and the fraction keeps its value: 3/5, 6/10, 9/15, 12/20 and 15/25 are all equal.
Looking for 6/10? It is the same as 3/5, so it gives the same decimal and percentage.
All the fifths
Shade 3/5 on a fraction wall
The wall opens with 3/5 shaded in the fifths row. Look straight down: the shading ends in exactly the same place in 6/10, so it is equal to 3/5. Tap other pieces to try more fractions.
A fraction wall from halves to tenths, opening on 3/5.
Keep going
Questions parents ask
What is 3/5 as a decimal?
3/5 = 0.6.
Is 3/5 a recurring decimal?
No. 5 × 2 = 10, so 3/5 is exactly 6/10 and the decimal stops at 0.6.
Is 3/5 more or less than a half?
3/5 is more than a half: 0.6 is more than 0.5. Half of 5 is 2.5, and 3 is more than 2.5.
What is 3/5 as a percentage?
3/5 = 60%.
Which fractions are the same as 3/5?
6/10, 9/15, 12/20, 15/25 and every other fraction you make by multiplying the top and bottom of 3/5 by the same number. They all equal 0.6.
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.