Converting Decimals to Percents
A decimal can be rewritten as a percent by multiplying by 100. This shifts the decimal point two places to the right and expresses the value as a part out of 100. Converting decimals to percents helps students understand comparisons, ratios, and real-world situations like discounts, test scores, and data.
When You’ll Use This Skill
- Finding percent change
- Calculating discounts and tax
- Converting between fractions, decimals, and percents
- Interpreting data and graphs
How It Works
Identify the decimal
Look at the given decimal value. This tells you the starting number you will convert.
$$
0.18
$$
Multiply by 100
Multiplying by 100 moves the decimal point two places to the right.
$$
0.18 \times 100 = 18
$$
Add the percent sign
After moving the decimal, write the new number with a percent sign.
$$
18 \rightarrow 18\%
$$
Try These Examples
Convert .09 to a percent. $$ Convert 1.75 to a percent. $$
Decimals larger than 1 can create percents over 100, and decimals smaller than 1 can result in percents less than 1%.
0.09 \rightarrow 9\%
$$
1.75 \rightarrow 175\%
$$
Watch Out
Common Mistake
- Forgetting to add the percent sign.
- Assuming percents must be less than 100.
- Forgetting to add the percent sign.
- Assuming percents must be less than 100.
Keep Practicing
Try these related worksheets to build fluency and confidence.
Pizza or Tacos Opinion Writing Worksheets (Differentiated K–3)
Summer or Winter Opinion Writing Worksheets (Differentiated K–3)
Equivalent Fraction Wall Anchor Chart Worksheet
